News – A new study at the New England Aquarium finds that as climate change causes the ocean to warm up, sharks are born smaller, restless, without nutrition , and into environments that are already difficult for them to survive.
In a paper recently published in the journal Scientific Reports, lead author Carolyn Wheeler, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts Boston and the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, a study of the effect of increased temperature on the growth, development and physiological performance of epaulette sharks – an egg-laying species found only on the large barrier reef. Wheeler studied the sharks as embryos and hatchlings, under the direction of Dr. John Mandelman, Vice President and Chief Scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.
“We found out the hotter the conditions, the faster everything happened, which could be a problem for the sharks,” Wheeler said. “The embryos grew faster and used their yolk sac faster, which is their only food source as they develop in the case of an egg. As a result they were born earlier than the usual. ” Wheeler said that not only were the chicks smaller, but that they would have to feed almost immediately as long as they did not have much energy.
“The ocean is facing growing human threats, such as the effects of climate change, and scientific research is essential to help strengthen the management and protection of these most endangered ocean species. adverse and vulnerable, “Mandelman said.” In this case, we addressed an imminent threat – marine warming – and the potential impacts on a species that could serve as a model for other egg-laying species among sharks and their relatives. “
The Aquarium has a successful breeding program for epaulette sharks, allowing researchers to use some of the eggs to study the effects of climate change on a shark species native to the other side of the world. The research was conducted at the Aquarium Animal Care Center in Quincy, Mass. Directed by Barbara Bailey, Keeper of Husbandry and Sustainability.
“This work involved the efforts of staff, volunteers and interns across a number of departments. I was delighted to find a link between the animals in our exhibitions and the opportunity to contribute to a very important scientific study. , “Bailey said.
Co-author and Associate Professor Jodie Rummer, Wheeler’s co-superintendent at James Cook University, says the waters of the Great Barrier Reef have summer averages near or even above 31 ° C / 87.8 ° F by the end of the century. Sharks do not care for their eggs after birth, meaning a shark’s egg must live unprotected for up to four months. Rumor has it that rising ocean temperatures are a major concern for the future of sharks, especially those that lay eggs.
“The epaulette shark is famous for its robust adaptation, even to ocean acidification. So, if this species can’t cope with warming waters, how can other, less tolerant species thrive?” Rummer said.
Sharks and the type of animals they belong to, which includes rays and skates, are slow-growing. They rarely breed compared to other fish. The numbers of many of these creatures are already threatened around the world. The study suggests that the sharks of the future will be born – or born, in this case – not only disadvantaged but into already pre-existing environments. warmer they can endure.
Epaulette sharks raised through the New England Aquarium’s farming and sustainability program can be seen on display in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the Aquarium’s main building on Boston’s Central Wharf. The Aquarium is currently closed to the public as part of Boston City’s restrictions to reduce COVID-19 emissions.
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