[All-postdocs] Correction: Bioseminar 2/17 Yannis P. Papastamatiou

[Ana M Velez]

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Biology Department Seminar
Thursday, February 17, 2022 – 1:00 pm (This seminar will take place one hour later than usual)

Dr. Yannis P. Papastamatiou
Professor, Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab, Institute of the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University

Social Dynamics of Shark Communities and the Potential Role of Information Sharing
Group behavior and sociality are seen in many vertebrates but have been poorly studied in marine predators (with the exception of marine mammals). We used telemetry and bio-logging to study the social dynamics of two species of sharks: grey reef sharks at an uninhabited Pacific atoll, and white sharks at an island aggregation site off Mexico. Grey reef sharks behave as central place foragers (CPF) forming small groups during the day on specific parts of the reef. They display fission-fusion dynamics, dispersing in smaller groups (or individually) at night. Sharks form spatially assorted social associations that may last at least four years. Individual based models suggest that social information sharing may explain group behavior and CPF. White sharks were also capable of some longer duration associations, over time spans of days. However, there was a great deal of individual variation in the number of associations sharks made, and also in their behavior, with some individuals hunting in deeper water (200-300 m) and some much shallower. One potential advantage of social associations is to obtain information on the presence and location of pinniped kills by other sharks. Sharks are capable of displaying more complex social dynamics than previously thought, although the extent likely varies greatly by species. Future studies should explore the potential importance of social information sharing as a driver for some of these group behaviors.

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