JAWS shark species seen 'adapting' to different environments for first time

New research suggests that great white sharks may possess more adaptable behavior than previously believed. By outfitting these formidable predators with smart tags, scientists gained insight into their dynamic behaviors. Contrary to the assumption of rigid behavior, it appears that great white sharks can adjust their actions based on various hunting conditions, as detailed in a recent study published in the journal Ecosphere.

Great white sharks, known as the largest predatory fish reaching lengths of up to 20 feet, inhabit cooler coastal waters spanning countries such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Their diet primarily consists of marine mammals like seals, sea lions, small whales, and large fish such as tuna.

Researchers from Murdoch University, Oregon State University, Stanford University, and California State University Monterey Bay equipped 21 great white sharks of different ages with trackers along the California coast. These trackers recorded the sharks' locations, depths, and movements for six days before detaching and floating to the surface.

Analyzing the collected data revealed that sharks exhibited varying activity levels depending on the time of day and the availability of prey. They were notably more active during daylight hours, engaging in vertical and lateral movements indicative of hunting behavior. During dawn and dusk, heightened activity occurred in areas abundant with fish prey, suggesting strategic hunting patterns.

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"We found the greatest differences in movements were from sharks from different areas, while the size of the shark and time of day were also important," study author Oliver Jewell, a researcher at the University of Western Australia and previous Murdoch University Ph.D. candidate, said in a statement. "This means the sharks are adapting their movements and routines to suit their local environment, rather than behaving the same way everywhere they're found."

The researchers propose that this adaptability allows great white sharks to capitalize on local feeding opportunities and prey behaviors. For instance, in regions like South Africa where Cape fur seals are more susceptible at dawn, increased shark activity during this time maximizes hunting success. Conversely, in areas where seals seek refuge within kelp forests, sharks maintain consistent activity throughout the day to optimize prey detection.

California's diverse coastal environment provided an ideal setting for this study, offering a range of habitats for both adult and juvenile great white sharks to navigate. Overall, the findings shed light on the nuanced behaviors of these apex predators and their ability to thrive in diverse ecosystems.

Great white sharks might have more flexible behavior than scientists first thought, according to new research.

"White sharks visit the same areas of central California year after year, with some seen in the same spot for 30 years or more," Jewell said. "We were looking to see what shapes their movements and routines while they are there."

The researchers hope that their results and their tagging technology will help shark scientists to better understand these behemoth creatures, and also pave the way for further research into shark behavior.

"Modern technology provides us with unprecedented views into the lives of some of the hardest to study species, in turn offering us novel insights into the functioning of our oceans," study author Adrian Gleiss, a behavioral ecologist at Murdoch University, said in the statement.

Jewell agreed, adding that "hopefully, we can apply the research in a number of ways going forward—we've already been tagging more sharks in more areas, and will follow this up with further studies."

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