From Mountains to Oceans: Dr. Lauren Meyer's Adventure in Shark Science

Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation

On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, Lauren Meyer from Flinders University discusses her research on iconic megafauna like great white sharks and cuttlefish, exploring trophic levels, food webs, and surprising diet preferences of tiger sharks. Delve into the evolution of shark science, from early perceptions to the impact of movies like Jaws, and learn about the diverse fields within shark science. Join us as we uncover the work of shark scientists from the American Elasmobranch Society, helping you expand your knowledge Beyond Jaws.

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Lauren Meyer's Research on White Sharks and Tiger Sharks

Lauren Meyer's research on white sharks and tiger sharks has unveiled surprising insights about their diet and interactions with human activities. In a recent podcast episode, Lauren delves into her work on these apex predators, focusing on their feeding ecology and the impact of human activities on their diet and nutrition.

White Sharks:

• Lauren's study on white sharks involved examining the effects of white shark cage diving on their diet. Despite the use of southern bluefin tuna as bait during cage diving operations, the research found that white sharks still primarily feed naturally, with incidental baits having minimal impact on their diet and nutrition.

• The study also highlighted that non-target species like yellowtail kingfish and silver trevally were consuming leftover baits and burley particles, shedding light on the unintended consequences of shark tourism on other marine species.

Tiger Sharks:

• Lauren's postdoctoral research focused on understanding the global diet of tiger sharks, known for preying on turtles and seabirds. The study aimed to explore the potential impact of plastic ingestion by tiger sharks due to their dietary habits.

• An unexpected discovery during the research in Norfolk Island revealed that tiger sharks were predominantly feeding on seabirds rather than cow offal, which was initially believed to be a significant part of their diet.

• Tracking tiger sharks with satellite tags unveiled their consistent migrations from Norfolk Island to New Caledonia, showcasing the extensive movements of these top predators.

Insights and Implications:

• Lauren's research challenges common perceptions about the diet and feeding behaviors of white sharks and tiger sharks, emphasizing the intricate interactions between these predators, their prey, and human activities such as shark tourism and waste management.

• Understanding the dietary preferences and migration patterns of white sharks and tiger sharks is vital for conservation efforts and ecosystem management. By uncovering these insights, researchers like Lauren Meyer contribute valuable knowledge to the field of shark science and marine conservation.

The Global White Shark Conference organized by Flinders University surpassed expectations, drawing 170 delegates and presenting cutting-edge research and insights in the realm of shark science. Initially projected to have around 100 attendees, the conference exceeded this estimate, underscoring the significant interest and enthusiasm surrounding white shark research.

The conference was a collaborative endeavor involving key figures in the field, including Enrique Cortes, who played a crucial role in organizing and coordinating the event. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team persevered and successfully brought together a diverse group of researchers, scientists, and enthusiasts to discuss and share their knowledge about white sharks.

The conference format departed from the traditional 15-minute presentation style, opting for a more engaging and interactive approach. By skipping introductory sessions on white sharks, the conference delved straight into the latest research findings, cutting-edge insights, and innovative approaches in shark science. This shift aimed to keep the audience engaged and focused on the most relevant and impactful information in the field.

The success of the Global White Shark Conference can be attributed to the dedication and passion of the organizers, speakers, and attendees. The event provided a platform for researchers to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and showcase their contributions to the field of shark science. Covering a diverse range of topics, from feeding ecology to conservation efforts, the conference underscored the depth and breadth of research being conducted in the realm of white shark studies.

Overall, the Global White Shark Conference served as a testament to the growing interest and importance of shark science, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to advance our understanding of these fascinating marine creatures. The event not only exceeded expectations but also set a high standard for future conferences in the field, promising continued growth and innovation in shark research.

Enrique Cortes shared a humorous anecdote during the podcast episode, highlighting the unpredictable nature of fieldwork in shark science. The mishap involved a research expedition to Norfolk Island, where Enrique and his team were studying tiger sharks. The plan was to use Norfolk Island as a control site due to its remote location and lack of plastic pollution. However, things took an unexpected turn when they discovered that the bait being used for the study was cow offal.

Enrique described how the team arrived at the island, only to find out that the bait consisted of cow parts being thrown into the water from a cow shoot on the island. This revelation completely changed the dynamics of their research, as the team had to navigate around the presence of cow offal in the water, which was not part of their original plan.

To add to the comedic nature of the situation, Enrique mentioned that the island also had a unique history, being one of Australia's first penal colonies and home to descendants of a famous mutiny. The island's quirky characteristics, combined with the unexpected cow offal bait, made for a memorable and humorous research experience.

Despite the unexpected challenges, Enrique and his team made the most of the situation, adapting their research methods and continuing their study on tiger sharks in the area. The mishap served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fieldwork in shark science and the importance of being flexible and resourceful in the face of unexpected circumstances.