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Some of the recently completed or ongoing shark research activities being carried out by the Division include:
The Division's shark research focuses on Pacific Ocean sharks, with special emphasis on the highly migratory pelagic species: shortfin mako, blue shark and thresher shark. These large, powerful sharks inhabit the mid to surface layers of the ocean, migrating long distances and entering catches of various fisheries throughout their vast ranges, including fisheries within the U.S. Exclusive Economic zone. Researchers are studying Pacific sharks to learn more about their biology, distribution, movements, stock structure and status, and potential vulnerability to fishing pressure. This information is provided to international, national and regional fisheries conservation and management bodies charged with ensuring that shark populations remain at sustainable levels.
Click here to view a 20 minute, high quality video on how we capture, process, and release sharks for abundance studies using long-lines.