Fins are often cut from the sharks while they are still alive. Once the fins are removed the sharks are thrown back into the water to die. Dr. Shivji's research will enable scientists to develop plans to help conserve these extremely threatened and ecologically critical species. Dr. David Gilliam, along with Dr. Spieler, is studying the processes that influence the population dynamics of reef fish. In order to protect reef fish populations and their habitats, more needs to be known about the processes that maintain the abundance and diversity of fish on coral and hard bottom reefs.
Studies are also underway to determine the specific habitat needs for juvenile reef fish.
These studies will help to protect reef fish populations. The depletion of the world's fish stocks and the deteriorating ecosystems within our oceans and freshwaters affect everyone, even those who don't fish or eat fish. The efforts of GHRI and NSU will provide the research and education needed to conserve, understand, and maintain the diversity of life in our seas. While there are no simple solutions to these problems, without scientific knowledge there can be no solutions at all.