Shark Research Mexico

Research Objectives for the species under our investigation:

1) Understand the population demographics and distribution of all shark species in the Gulf of California.

2) Generate a robust database of pelagic sharks in our region and determine their seasonality, residency, movements and influence from environmental factors.

3) Use modern data logging instruments on sharks and other migratory species to determine specific energy conservation strategies and swimming characteristics, as well as the effect of tourism activities on the natural behaviours of these species.

4) Use extensive photo Identification techniques to catalogue and evaluate seasonal aggregations of whale sharks, manta rays and other protected species in our region, and provide biological information to support governing agencies to improve the management strategies and the sustainability of tourism activities.

5) Evaluate trace elements in commonly consumed sharks in our region and surrounding areas to generate a baseline of information to investigate any potential danger for human consumption and sale of these products in our community.

6) Investigate antibiotic susceptibilities of bacteria Isolated from the teeth of shark species used for tourism activities and commercially fished as a way to quantify the extent of antibiotic resistance in order to provide definitive microbiologically based guidance for appropriate therapy for respective victims in cases of shark bites.

7) Investigate the effects of social media content on the conservation and protection of sharks in our area.

8) Investigate the human impact on shark related tourism activities in Mexican waters and generate protocols for beneficial shark ecotourism and improve management of these resources

9) Use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain photogrammetry measurements and behavioral information of sharks for a range of scientific studies adopting non invasive approaches to survey sharks biology and ecology.