Baby bull sharks are thriving in Texas and Alabama bays as the Gulf of Mexico warms

The Gulf Coast has seen big jumps in baby bull shark numbers. As adults, these are among the most aggressive species of sharks, but the babies aren’t cause for concern, as three scientists explain.

Philip Matich, Instructional Assistant Professor of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University • conversation
July 17, 2024 ~8 min

We’ve measured the cost of unsustainable industrial fishing on coastal communities – and it’s vast

A new report estimates the impacts of big fishing businesses with a previous track record of unsustainability on the local economy, jobs and people’s welfare in five developing countries.

Miren Gutiérrez, Investigator, Data Analysis, ODI • conversation
June 7, 2024 ~8 min


Why so many animals have a third eyelid, including our pets – yet humans don’t

It’s a question of evolution and adaptation.

Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol • conversation
May 16, 2024 ~7 min

Shark skin inspiration could lead to better sonar arrays

A textured surface that mimics shark skin could make underwater instruments more effective and environmentally friendly.

UC Berkeley • futurity
April 5, 2024 ~7 min

Go on an Easter egg case hunt on the beach to discover more about sharks and rays

Egg cases of sharks and rays can be found washed up on the shore. Citizen science data helps scientists understand the life cycles of these marine animals and how to best conserve them.

Nicholas Ray, Doctoral School Programmes Manager, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
March 27, 2024 ~6 min

Rare access to hammerhead shark embryos reveals secrets of its unique head development

Because hammerhead sharks give birth to live young, studying their embryonic development is much more complicated than harvesting some eggs and watching them develop in real time.

Gareth J. Fraser, Associate Professor of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, University of Florida • conversation
March 8, 2024 ~5 min

Unprovoked shark attacks and fatalities went up a bit in 2023

There were 69 unprovoked shark attacks in 2023, 10 of which were fatal. That's within the normal range, "though the fatalities are a bit unnerving..."

Karen Dooley-Florida • futurity
Feb. 6, 2024 ~10 min

How can humans save threatened sharks?

"There is a path forward to avoid a global extinction crisis for sharks, but the time to act is now."

Harrison Tasoff-UC Santa Barbara • futurity
Feb. 5, 2024 ~9 min


How trophy fishing can have a sustainable future

Trophy fishing is a big threat to some of the most threatened species of fish, but there are ways to adapt the sport with marine conservation in mind.

James Boon, PhD candidate in Marine Ecology, University of Nottingham • conversation
Feb. 2, 2024 ~7 min

‘Jaws’ portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists

‘Jaws,’ published in 1974, terrified the public of sharks, but it also brought shark research into the scientific mainstream.

Gavin Naylor, Director of Florida Program for Shark Research, University of Florida • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 ~10 min

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