Our work

We are taking a variety of approaches in order to build a clear picture as to how the shark, turtle and other pelagic populations of the Eastern Tropical Pacific are distributed in terms of abundance, space and time.

All our projects are carried out by research institutions based in the field, in partnership with National Park Agencies where appropriate and with the technical support of leading universities.

Working underwater poses a number of challenges. Visibility is not only low much of the time, but also highly variable. Conditions can change from one minute to the next, and divers are limited to surface waters and for short periods of time.

Satellite and radio tags developed for terrestrial animals often fall short in the marine environment because the tag cannot communicate with satellites when underwater. Hammerhead sharks do not like the bubbles generated by SCUBA divers, so they are hard to approach.

These are just some of the problems we face.

We use a range of techniques in order to overcome these and other difficulties.

By integrating the results from all our different studies, we are able to build a picture of the seasonal abundance and distribution of sharks and other pelagic creatures in the region, and place this into context with human activities and conservation management.
Research Methods


In pictures: ultrasound tags



In pictures: satellite tracking
In pictures: sea turtle tagging

Migratory Patterns

Do key species undertake long distance migrations? Can we define migratory pathways? Are they likely to come into contact with human activities during their migrations? Where do they migrate to? When do they migrate?
Our interactive map shows the near real-time movement of East Pacific pelagic species with satellite tags. Satellite monitoring of oceanic species is at the very forefront of applied research in marine biology.

Site Fidelity and Hotspots

Do sharks display site fidelity? What makes a site attractive for large aggregations of sharks? Can sharks be used as umbrella species for management of protected areas? Do sharks move between hotspots?
Tagged sharks leave a trace of their movements on key monitoring sites.
This data can be very revealing. 		Shark tagging and the placement and retrieval of detection equipment is an exciting and demanding part of research.

Species Behaviour

How do particular species behave? Do they prefer particular depth ranges? How far offshore do they travel on a daily basis? Do they display diel patterns? Do groups remain together?
This kind of monitoring gives a very precise description of the life of a single animal during a short time period. Constant, 24-hour monitoring from a light vessel over several days is needed to retrieve data from the tag while it lasts.

Shark Census

How can we count sharks in Marine Protected Areas where fishing is not permitted? Can we work with dive guides to develop a baseline of shark distribution and abundance? Do certain species of shark prefer particular sites at different times of year?
Results give us a reliable indication of the numbers (and changes over time) of pelagic species that visit protected areas. Dive guides spend many hours underwater each year and are keenly aware of changes in shark abundance.

Focus: Sea Turtles

Can we describe sea turtle movements and habitat use on broad- and fine-scales? How do different species and life stages utilize different habitats? What can we learn about populations by monitoring sea turtles on land and in the water?
Attaching transmitters to sea turtles requires care and craft, but has revealed much about sea turtles' underwater ways. By land and by sea, researchers combine boots-on-the-ground patrolling and cutting-edge technology to follow sea turtles wherever they go. Learn more here.