Can the epaulette shark 'outwalk' climate change

Save Our Seas Foundation
Role

Co Investigator

Description

By simulating various ocean warming conditions within aquarium settings, I have been using cross-disciplinary tools in physiology, genetics, and biomechanics as a proverbial crystal ball to understanding how geographically distinct populations of epaulette sharks will respond to both chronic and acute ocean warming. My project aims to examine the mechanistic underpinnings of physiological performance through epigenetics as it relates to metabolism, and how genes are up/down regulated to influence these performance biomarkers under future warming scenarios across the Great Barrier Reef. If we can gain a fundamental understanding of the performance mechanisms that contribute to resilience and susceptibility of shark and ray species to climate change stressors, we can utilize findings of this research on the epaulette shark as a comparative baseline for other similar species to allow for enhanced conservation measures.

Date

20 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2025

Project Type

GRANT

Keywords

climate change;sharks;ocean warming;physiology;acclimation;genetics

Funding Body

Save Our Seas Foundation

Amount

9950

Project Team

Naomi Gardiner;Jodie Rummer