David Shiffman

Largetooth sawfish to become second elasmobranch to receive Endangered Species Act protections

July 13, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

The Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis perotteti) is about to become the second elasmobranch protected by the Endangered Species Act, a welcome step in the conservation of these animals. In addition to the slow growth, low number of offspring, and relatively late maturity which characterizes most elasmobranchs, another biological feature contributes to sawfish being “among the most endangered fishes in the world,” according to Shark Advocates International President Sonja Fordham. It’s hard to imagine a biological structure that can get more thoroughly entangled in fishing nets than the “saw” on their rostrum, and bycatch is one of the leading causes of population decline in this group of animals. Additionally, the saw used to be a part of the souvenir trade.

WhySharksMatter is headed to Miami for his Ph.D. !

June 16, 2011June 16, 2011 David Shiffman 8 Comments

Uncategorized

As those of you who follow me on Twitter know, I have been accepted into a Ph.D. program at the University of Miami and will be starting there in the fall. In the immortal words of the great philosopher LeBron James, I’ll be taking my talents to South Beach.

The specific program I’ve joined is the new Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. I will be working in the lab of Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, Director of the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program.

Book Review: Demon Fish

June 16, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

Uncategorized

Juliet Eilperin’s “Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks” hit bookshelves earlier this week. Juliet has written many great articles about shark science and conservation for the Washington Post, where she works as a science and environment reporter, and I was excited to read Demon Fish. It did not disappoint.

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Vote for us in the 3QuarksDaily science writing contest!

June 7, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

Uncategorized

The 3QuarksDaily science writing contest, a prestigious online writing competition, has entered the public voting phase. One Southern Fried Science post has been nominated- Back from the Brink: Victories in Conservation (which can be viewed here) . That post, co-written by Andrew and I, tells the story of an important scientific paper that showed both … Read More “Vote for us in the 3QuarksDaily science writing contest!” »

Were 18 foot long thresher sharks responsible for closing a New York beach?

June 3, 2011June 9, 2011 David Shiffman 10 Comments

Popular Culture, Science

Earlier this week, several New York state beaches were closed due to shark sightings. Fox News’ Rick Leventhal, speaking as part of Bill Hemmer’s “America’s Newsroom” show, reported on this story, claiming that “some onlookers ID’ed them as thresher sharks, they’re estimated to be about 18 feet long”. A half-eaten seal also washed up on shore nearby.

To his credit, Mr. Leventhal attempted to play down fears about these animals, saying that “Let’s not forget that sharks live in the ocean…as long as there’s food, they’re likely to keep hanging around”. However, I was immediately skeptical of the claim that a group of 18 foot long thresher sharks were swimming slowly just a few yards offshore. A cursory review of the known biology and ecology of thresher sharks will explain my skepticism.

Dear Fishermen, Please release mako sharks alive. Thanks, The Management

June 3, 2011May 31, 2011 David Shiffman 3 Comments

Conservation, Science

The world of fisheries management is so full of laws and regulations that it’s no wonder many fishermen feel persecuted by the government. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to see the National Marine Fisheries Service trying something new.

International research team tracks threatened oceanic whitetip sharks

June 1, 2011May 31, 2011 David Shiffman

Conservation, Science

Oceanic whitetip sharks are considered by many to be a poster-child for shark conservation. Once one of the most abundant species of pelagic sharks on Earth, unregulated overfishing throughout their global range had led to a precipitous decline in their population. In some parts of their range, the species has declined in population by more than 70% in the last few decades. Scientists haven’t been able to find them in significant numbers for many years. One of the few remaining known aggregation sites is Cat Island in the Bahamas, and that’s where an international team of researchers just went to find these animals.

WhiteTip1 — An oceanic whitetip shark is fitted with a satellite tag. Photo credit: Dr. Lance Jordan, Microwave Telemetry, inc.

Shark Science Monday: Rima Jabado discusses the sharks of the Persian Gulf

May 31, 2011 David Shiffman

Conservation, Science

In this week’s edition of Shark Science Monday, Rima Jabado of UAE University discusses the sharks and shark fisheries of the Persian Gulf. If you have a question for Rima, leave it as a comment below and I”ll make sure she gets it.

Resolving human-wildlife conflicts through trust, respect, and… humor?

May 30, 2011May 29, 2011 David Shiffman

Conservation

At the International Marine Conservation Congress, I attended a workshop focusing on resolution of human-wildlife conflict that was put on by Francine Madden of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration. Francine explained her strategies for bringing both sides (wolf conservationists and ranchers, fishermen and government managers, etc) to the table for productive negotiations that benefit everyone.

Vote for Sophi: List of Oceana Ocean Hero finalists includes 8 year old shark conservationist

May 24, 2011May 22, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

Conservation, Science

Oceana has released their list of finalists for the Ocean Hero award. As always, the finalists represent people who have done some amazing things for our oceans. This year, one of the nominees for the “Junior Hero” category is Sophi Bromenshenkel, an 8 year old shark conservationist.