The annual celebration of all things shark-related, Shark Week, is returning on July 7, 2024. This event provides an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their role in the ecosystem. UNC-Chapel Hill’s esteemed shark experts are eager to share their knowledge and discoveries about these creatures.
John Bruno, a leading expert at UNC-Chapel Hill, can provide valuable insights into how shark populations can serve as indicators of the overall ecosystem’s health. He also has expertise in discussing the issues surrounding the mislabeling of seafood, including fish and shark meat. Bruno can shed light on the impacts of climate change on marine ecology, detailing how it influences shark behavior and distribution.
Joel Fodrie is another expert at UNC-Chapel Hill who specializes in the diversity and dynamics of shark populations along the Carolina coast. He can explain the most common shark species, their size range, habitats, and how these populations have evolved over time. Fodrie can also address the threats faced by sharks due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change, as well as provide insights on the actual risks of shark bites and tips for avoiding them.
Savannah Ryburn’s expertise lies in the diets of sharks and how their feeding habits can reveal migration patterns and habitat preferences. Through a non-invasive technique called metabarcoding, Ryburn can analyze the DNA of shark prey to gain valuable insights without harming the animals. She can also explain the vital roles that sharks play in the ecosystem and discuss ways to protect them by preserving their food sources.
Salomé Jaramillo Gil focuses on hammerhead sharks and how their movements correlate with external factors such as depth, temperature gradients, and chlorophyll levels. She can elaborate on the importance of hammerhead sharks in
