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Proximity of Sharks to Miami: More Immediate Than Previously Assumed
In spite of the pollution affecting urban coastlines, a variety of shark species—including bull, nurse, and great hammerhead sharks—are commonly observed near urban centers like Miami. This not only subjects them to potential health risks but also offers avenues for understanding how to minimize conflicts between humans and sharks. Credit: JMac / Jason McIntosh
Contrary to terrestrial apex predators, marine top predators do not shy away from urbanized zones.
As global coastlines are increasingly subject to urbanization, the implications this has for marine species remain inadequately explored. Researchers from the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have recently conducted a study that tracked the movements of three types of sharks—bull, nurse, and great hammerhead—relative to Miami. Despite the chemical, acoustic, and light pollution originating from this bustling coastal city, the researchers found that these sharks did not avoid areas near the city as initially expected.
An acoustically tagged nurse shark was released into Miami’s offshore waters to evaluate shark residency patterns in the context of coastal urbanization. Credit: Robbie Roemer
Adaptation of Animals to Urban Landscapes
While some animals like pigeons and raccoons have adapted to thrive in urban settings, feeding largely on human waste, others exhibit a more balanced interaction with urban spaces but continue to rely significantly on natural habitats. Contrastingly, certain land predators such as wolves are highly sensitive to human activity and tend to evade large urban centers.
Neil Hammerschlag, director of the UM Shark Research and Conservation Program and the study’s lead author, stated, “We had assumed that sharks would behave as ‘urban avoiders,’ similar to certain land predators. However, our data revealed that these sharks frequented areas near the city, close to the shoreline, irrespective of the time of day.” The study suggests that the behavior of these tracked sharks is more in line with that of “urban adapters.” It hypothesizes that land-based activities, including the disposal of fish remains, could be drawing sharks towards the coast.
Consequences for Human and Shark Populations
Frequenting areas impacted by urban activity could pose health risks for the sharks due to potential exposure to harmful pollutants and increased fishing activities. “Such proximity to the shore exposes sharks to health and survival risks,” remarked Hammerschlag. Although shark attacks on humans are infrequent, the study identifies specific coastal areas that people might avoid in order to lower the likelihood of unfavorable encounters with sharks, thereby fostering a coexistence between humans and sharks.
Reference Information
The authors of the study include Neil Hammerschlag and Mitchell Rider from the UM Rosenstiel School; Robbie Roemer from Ocearch; Austin J. Gallagher from Beneath the Waves; and Lee Gutowsky from Trent University.
This research received financial backing from a variety of organizations, including the Ocean Tracking Network, the Disney Conservation Fund, the Save Our Seas Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center, the Batchelor Foundation, the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, Ruta Maya Coffee, the International Seakeepers Society, and a grant from the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP, RFP ONR BAA #N00014-18-S-B007), in association with NOAA, BOEM, and NASA, as well as the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Program Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shark Proximity to Urban Areas
What is the main focus of the University of Miami study?
The main focus of the study is to understand the behavior and movement patterns of three species of sharks—bull, nurse, and great hammerhead—in relation to the urban coastal areas of Miami. The study aims to discover whether these sharks avoid, adapt to, or exploit urban marine environments.
Who led the study and what types of sharks were tracked?
The study was led by Neil Hammerschlag, director of the UM Shark Research and Conservation Program. The shark species tracked in the study were the bull, nurse, and great hammerhead sharks.
Were the sharks found to avoid the urban coastal areas?
Contrary to initial expectations, the researchers found that these shark species did not avoid areas near the bustling coastal metropolis of Miami. Instead, they frequented these areas, even being active close to the shoreline.
What risks do sharks face by frequenting urban coastal areas?
By being close to urbanized areas, sharks are exposed to various forms of pollution such as chemical, light, and noise pollution. They are also at higher risk of being caught in fishing activities, all of which could impact their health and survival.
Does the study offer any insights into human-shark coexistence?
Yes, the study identifies specific coastal areas near Miami where humans might exercise caution in order to reduce the likelihood of unfavorable encounters with sharks, thereby promoting a more harmonious coexistence between the two species.
How was the research funded?
The research received financial support from multiple organizations, including the Ocean Tracking Network, the Disney Conservation Fund, the Save Our Seas Foundation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among others.
What are the broader implications of the study?
The study has broader implications for urban marine ecology, as it challenges the previously held notion that marine predators would naturally avoid human-occupied spaces. It also points to the need for further research into the adaptation of marine species to rapidly urbanizing coastlines.
More about Shark Proximity to Urban Areas
- University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
- Marine Ecology Progress Series Journal
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Save Our Seas Foundation
- Ocean Tracking Network
- Disney Conservation Fund
- US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Program Office
- National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP)
5 comments
This is eye-opening. We’re so focused on land-based urban ecology, its easy to forget the ocean is right there. Needs more attention, period.
Fascinating stuff! Never really thought about what marine life does in response to urbanization. Time to rethink our assumptions, I guess.
Wow, never thought sharks would actually stick around urban areas. Makes ya think, huh? Whats next, dolphins at the harbor?
honestly, kinda scary to think sharks are so close by. But also interesting to think about how they adapt to us more than we adapt to them.
Who knew? This changes the game for local fishermen and surfers. Makes me wonder how many other marine species are acting different than we’d expect.