Tracking Sharks and Rays in Florida

More than a third of sharks and rays around the world are at risk of extinction, making them the second most threatened vertebrate group on earth (after amphibians). Yet off the coast of southwest Florida, blacktip, great hammerhead, tiger, sandbar, and many other shark species are present in numbers seen in few other places in the world. This shark haven is largely possible due to science-based management of shark fisheries in the U.S. While there isn’t a large market for shark meat or fins in the U.S., some shark species are fished in U.S. waters and exported to other countries. This shark fishing is heavily regulated to ensure the number of sharks caught is low enough to sustain their populations or even allow for an increase. In Florida, shark catch limits are informed by data collected by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium as part of the longest-running shark abundance survey in the nation.

From a boat on the open ocean, you’ll assist researchers in identifying shark species, tagging and measuring individuals, and collecting environmental data such as water depth, temperature, and conditions. This information will inform federal assessments and management decisions for sharks, ensuring their populations will continue to thrive.

You’ll also have the opportunity to help establish research on Florida’s ray populations. Little is known about the stingrays that live off the coast of Florida—in fact, we don’t even know how many there are. You’ll help scientists conduct stingray surveys to understand how environmental factors and human impacts, including harmful algal blooms known as “red tide,” are affecting the species.