Meeting #19 SharkSafe barrier & Neonate epaulette sharks

We would like to thank our speakers Dr. Sara Andreotti from SharkSafe BarrierTM and JCU Master’s student Carmen Dobszewicz for sharing their work with us!

Some highlights from Sara’s talk included:

• Learning about the SharkSafe BarrierTM which is a physical and magnetic barrier that mimics kelp forests to deter sharks.

• The use of eco-friendly anchors that allow for quick installation, low maintenance, adaptability in a variety of substrates, and durability in high energy waters.

• Comparing this eco-friendly and shark-specific solution to others used in the prevention of shark-human conflicts.

Some highlights from Carmen’s talk included:

• How her research is filling gaps in knowledge about neonate epaulette sharks and their tolerance of hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions.

• The use of respirometry and blood analysis studies to determine if hypoxia tolerance in neonates are affected by temperature.

• Learning that epaulette sharks can be used as a bioindicator species for responses to ocean warming and climate change.

• This research was conducted with the Rummerlab.