North Pacific Warming Shifts the Range of a Predator
February 09, 2021
Here, we use community science, photogrammetry, biologging, and mesoscale climate data to describe and explain the increased sightings of juvenile white sharks in central California 2014-2016.
During the 2014–2016 North Pacific marine heatwave, unprecedented sightings of juvenile white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) emerged in central California.
These records contradicted the species established life history, where juveniles remain in warmer waters in the southern California Current.
This spatial shift is significant as it creates potential conflicts with commercial fisheries, protected species conservation, and public safety concerns.
Here, we integrate community science, photogrammetry, biologging, and mesoscale climate data to describe and explain this phenomenon.
In addition to advancing the adaptive management of this apex marine predator, we discuss this opportunity to engage public on climate change through marine megafauna.
Tanaka KR, Van Houtan KS, Mailander E, Dias BS, Galginaitis C, O'Sullivan J, Lowe CG, Jorgensen SJ. 2021. North Pacific warming shifts the juvenile range of a marine apex predator. Scientific Reports. 11:3373. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82424-9.