February 3, 2023
Shark Conservation and Research
Dr. Steve Kessell
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Abstract
This talk will provide an overview of some of the most interesting and incredible aspects of the biology and ecology of sharks. We will explore their roles within our ocean ecosystems and their critical importance, and delve in to the most pressing conservation issues they are currently facing. However, it’s not too late to address and reverse many of these issues, so we will explore the conservation management approaches for protecting shark populations around the world. All these measure need effective research to succeed. We will focus on a case study highlighting the process from research through to management for a large coastal shark species, before having an overview of the Shedd Aquarium’s on-going shark and ray research program.
Biosketch
Steven Kessel has worked extensively with a wide variety of marine species and has a well-established reputation as a conservation scientist. He joined Shedd Aquarium’s Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research in 2017 to oversee a suite of marine conservation research projects aimed at protecting important species in the Bahamas, including the endangered Nassau grouper and threatened queen conch. Kessel also leads his own original research project to better understand Caribbean shark species in an effort to protect them. He has led and assisted with studies of lemon sharks, Red Sea sharks and manta rays and helped develop conservation management programs for several species. Kessel has a Ph.D. in marine ecology and biology from Cardiff University, UK. Following the completion of his degree in 2009, he spent two years at Cardiff as a postdoctoral fellow, acting as the principal investigator for the Jupiter Large Coastal Shark Species Study, which investigated the biology and ecology of large coastal shark species residing off the eastern seaboard of the United States. Since then, Kessel has worked for the University of Windsor Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research as the principal investigator of the Lancaster Sound Arctic component of the Ocean Tracking Network. Taking a freshwater tack, at his last position, Kessel studied the movements and migrations of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes with Michigan State University.