Meet the Experts Who Are Making Waves in Shark Science

Shark Week, the annual celebration of all things shark-related, is back with a splash on July 7, 2024. UNC-Chapel Hill's leading shark experts are available to share their insights and discoveries with these amazing creatures.

• John Bruno can share insights on how shark populations can indicate the health of the larger ecosystem. He can also talk about the mislabeling of seafood including fish and shark meat. Bruno can explain the impact of climate change on marine ecology and how it affects shark behavior and distribution.
• Joel Fodrie can discuss the diversity and dynamics of shark populations along the Carolina coast. He can explain which shark species are most common, how large they can become, where they live and how they have changed over time. He can also address the threats sharks face from overfishing and habitat destruction and climate change. Fodrie can also discuss the actual risk of being bitten by a shark and offer tips on how to avoid a shark bite.
• Savannah Ryburn can talk about the diets of these marine animals, what they ingest and how that reveals their migration patterns and habitats. She uses a technique called metabarcoding, which allows her to analyze the DNA of shark prey without harming the animals. Ryburn can also explain the roles sharks play in the ecosystem and how to protect them by preserving their food supply.
• Salomé Jaramillo Gil can discuss the correlations between hammerhead shark movements and external factors such as depth and temperature gradients and chlorophyll. She can also talk about the importance of hammerhead sharks for the ecosystem and the conservation challenges they face.

Interviews can be arranged by contacting [email protected] or 919-445-8555.