Скачать или смотреть A day in the life of a shark field researcher in the Cayman Islands

#CaymanIslands #sharkresearch #coastalsharks

In this video, the DoE research team deploys baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) and tags individual sharks with acoustic transmitters during a survey trip in Little Cayman. This work is part of DoE’s ongoing monitoring of our local sharks which is critical for the continued protection and conservation of sharks within Cayman waters.

Since 2009 the DOE has been studying and monitoring our local shark population on top of the coastal shelf (150ft/30m). Using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), acoustic and satellite telemetry, photo ID, and citizen science, we now have a good understanding of our shark population and how species benefit the Cayman Islands. In total 17 species of sharks have been recorded inhabiting Cayman’s waters. Some shark species reside in Cayman throughout the year inhabiting coastal waters, some species are pelagic and pass by seasonally on migratory routes, and others inhabit the deep waters around Cayman down to 3000ft/1000m of depth. The most abundant coastal shark species that are resident in Cayman throughout the year are the Caribbean reef shark, nurse shark and hammerhead sharks. This work led to the protection of sharks in Cayman, which came into effect in 2015 under the National Conservation Act.

Sharks represent keystone species in the marine environment. Sharks are vital to keeping corals and reef fish communities healthy, in balance and thriving. Recent studies have shown that the removal of Caribbean reef sharks from the reef environment can lead to the degradation and eventual smothering of the coral reef by algae. This action is facilitated by the initial boost in smaller predatory species, such as grouper and snapper, which then remove the herbivorous species, such as parrotfish, from the reef. Without their prey, grouper and snapper then decline in number. Sharks are also valuable to the tourism industry. In Cayman, the total economic value of sharks is estimated to be between USD 46.8 to 62.6 million annually to the Cayman economy. This encourages both a healthier marine environment and sustainable management of these important species.

For more information about this project and other ongoing projects at the Cayman Islands Department of Environment visit our website – https://doe.ky

Project partners:
Marine Conservation International – https://www.marineconservationinterna...

This project is supported by:
The Darwin Pus Fund - https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/
Whitetip fun from the Cayman Islands Brewery – https://www.cib.ky/white-tip

Video Produced by Dr Johanna Kohler and Pete Davis