Can the epaulette shark 'outwalk' climate change

Co Investigator

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.

20 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2025

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