Shark Ecology and Population Management

Sharks are the apex predators and serve as an indicator of a healthy coral reef ecosystem. If sharks are around, that means the biomass of the reef is great enough to feed a healthy population of predators at the top of the food chain. Shark populations around the Hawaiian Islands have been decreasing due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and overexploitation. Students enrolled in this course will learn how to properly identify shark species and sex, record behavioural signs, and monitor and assist in disentanglement. This course is a partial fulfillment of the Ecological Monitoring Program and the Advanced Ecological Monitoring Plan.

Prerequisites:

• Be at an advanced level of swimming

• Be able to dive OR snorkel for atleast 45-60 minutes

Standards:

• Learn how to identify different species of sharks found in Hawai'i, and differentiate between sexes

• Understand the different pressures on shark populations and the advantages/disadvantages of human intervention

• Become well acquainted with the different fishery techniques targeting sharks and the mitigation tactics implemented to protect local populations

• Gain a full comprehension of the different surveys used to monitor the shark populations of Hawai'i

Requirements:

• Attend the Shark Ecology and Population Management lecture

• Conduct at least one shark monitoring survey via diving OR snorkelling

• Report data back to OAP's shark monitoring database

• Pass the final exam

Price:

$150/day diving

$120/day snorkelling

Discount $60/day snorkelling (Internship)

• Take photos of guest onboard the charter

Approximate time for course completion: ~8 hours and 1 dive OR 1-2 hours of snorkelling