UNC-Chapel Hill’s esteemed shark experts are eager to share their knowledge and discoveries about these fascinating creatures during Shark Week, which returns on July 7, 2024.
Joel Fodrie, a leading expert at UNC-Chapel Hill, 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 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 the ecosystem and the conservation challenges they currently face.
John Bruno is another expert at UNC-Chapel Hill who has expertise in discussing issues surrounding mislabeling of seafood including fish meat. He can shed light on how climate change influences marine ecology by impacting shark behavior and distribution. Bruno is a leading expert in how shark populations serve as indicators of overall ecosystem health.