Researcher returns to lab after shark bite

FIU researcher Kirk Gastrich is back to work in the Marine Sciences lab at the Biscayne Bay Campus after a close encounter with a nearly 6-foot lemon shark last month.

Gastrich was bitten around his elbow by a shark he was measuring in the coastal Everglades. While the encounter has temporarily kept Gastrich out of the field as the injury heals, it hasn’t deterred him from his research efforts.

Gastrich is part of a FIU research team studying the ecological importance of sharks. The team is examining shark populations on two different sides of the globe — locally, where the numbers have significantly diminished, and in Western Australia, where the shark populations remain at normal, healthy levels.

Under the direction of Michael Heithaus, director of FIU’s School of Environment and Society, the researchers are focused on understanding how population reductions of large predators are adversely impacting marine communities.

“Sharks are important parts of coastal ecosystems, but they are threatened by overfishing and habitat modifications,” Heithaus said. “Our work on understanding the important aspects of their habitats and their ecological roles is critical for protecting the sharks and ensuring that they continue to be a part of naturally functioning ecosystems.”

More than 70 million sharks are killed each year in fisheries. Populations of some species are down by more than 80 percent, further proving why the research at FIU is so critical, Heithaus said.

According to Gastrich, that is exactly why he plans to be on a boat next week to resume his work in the field.
To learn more about FIU’s shark research programs, click here.