Using Remote Sensing and Acoustic Telemetry to Understand the Spatial and Behavioral Ecology of Sharks

Globally, shark populations are rapidly declining, raising concern due to their role as apex predators. Fundamental to shark conservation and recovery is an improved understanding of habitat use. Using social network analysis and remotely sensed dynamic environmental variables, we can begin to understand how an imperiled coastal shark species responds to the environment and conspecifics. A better understanding of the spatial and behavioral ecology allows us to create discrete models based on the size and sex of these sharks, identify areas where segments of populations overlap, and appropriately target conservation and enforcement efforts.