The Large Pelagics Lab at SWFSC conduct studies on several aspects of the lives of sharks in the North Pacific Ocean. Shark Research studies include investigations on biology, physiology, ecology and migration as well as distribution and abundance, population genetic structure, and fishery interactions. The researchers in the Large Pelagics Lab at Southwest Fisheries Science Center conduct research mandated under the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
(FMP) produced by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Species we directly research are the blue shark (Prionace glauca), shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), and thresher sharks: thresher (Alopias vulpinus), pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus), and bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus). Under the FMP, we also opportunistically monitor other species, including great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus), and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.) if they are in the area.
Other Southern California shark species:
How you can help!
If you see a basking shark while you are on the water and can call from your vessel, please call:
John Hyde at (760) 408-7726 or Heidi Dewar at (858) 546-7023.
If you wish to report a sighting after you have returned to land please provide the date, time and location of the sighting, as well as any comments to (858) 334-2884 or send an email to Heidi.Dewar@noaa.gov.
Any photos or video would also be appreciated and can be sent to:
Heidi Dewar
NOAA Fisheries, SWFSC
8901 La Jolla Shores Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92037
If you catch a shark tagged with a SWFSC tag, please help us recover the vertebrae and catch information!
