Researchers from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) recently conducted a shark tagging expedition in the New York Bight, off the coast of Fire Island. The team included PhD candidates and researchers who were accompanied by university visual storyteller Dennis Murray.
The project is part of ongoing research led by Professor Michael Frisk and Assistant Professor Oliver Shipley. The work aims to increase understanding of shark species found near Long Island.
“We’re trying to really understand all of the species that we’re researching and understand, why are they here, why are they utilizing this habitat,” said Michael Fogg, research technician in the Frisk Laboratory. “We actually really don’t know that much about sharks here in Long Island.”
During the expedition, researchers placed acoustic tags on several sharks to track their location and activity. They also collected samples for analysis of diet and habitat use.
“We’re just learning a lot about them, which is important for not only their management as a species and keeping their populations healthy,” said PhD student Ashley Wechsler.
Additional information about this research can be found on the SoMAS website.