Shark populations recover better in human exclusion zones: Deakin study

By Deakin University
2/1/2019

Decades after their implementation, no-take marine reserves are coming up short in their ability to nurture the Great Barrier Reef’s shark populations back to natural levels, according to new research from a Deakin University ecologist.

The research, published today in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, found that after decades of protection, shark populations on the Great Barrier Reef were only properly recovering in human exclusion zones.

But traditional ‘no take’ marine reserves – where humans can enter but must not fish or remove anything they find – were failing to rebuild shark populations back to natural levels.

Researcher Dr Justin Rizzari, a Lecturer in Fisheries Science at Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, said shark numbers were more than double in human exclusion zones compared to traditional no-take marine reserves, despite fishing being banned in both areas.

News

Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience

Researchers have teamed up with an Indigenous group to create a novel model that showcases Indigenous fire stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem health.

Read Post
Ants in Colorado are on the move due to climate change

Ant species living in Boulder’s foothills have shifted their habitat over the last six decades, potentially affecting local ecosystems, suggests a new CU Boulder study.

Read Post
Scientists assess paths toward maintaining BC caribou until habitat recovers

Reforestation requires decades to support southern mountain caribou, new research shows.

Read Post
Invasive species sound off about impending ecosystem changes

A team of researchers has discovered that the silent growth of non-native invasive plants can affect the soundscape of an ecosystem.

Read Post

View All News

Annual Meeting

Mark your Calendar!

This year’s meeting will emphasize the society’s mission of supporting ecologists throughout their careers. The emphasis recognizes the need for us to continually invest in all the people who advance the science and practice of ecology. Among many aspects of professional development, we are planning programming and invite contributions that consider the transformational potential of effective mentorship.

Learn More & Register

Journals & Publications

Ecology

Adult female elk (Cervus canadensis) in northeastern Washington, USA, balance shifting risks from cougars, wolves, and humans by altering habitat preferences according to the time of day. In their study published in the April issue of Ecology, Ganz et al. found that humans caused most adult female elk deaths through hunting and vehicle collisions, and elk prioritized avoiding humans over wolves and cougars in the daytime, when humans are most active. At night, elk primarily avoided cougars and wolves (when these carnivores primarily hunt) and preferred areas near human activities, which reduced exposure to the threat of wolf predation.

Shark populations recover better in human exclusion zones: Deakin study

Cookie consent and privacy disclaimer