Project:

Shark Attraction on Long Island

Students:

Luke Gobler, Travis Hefter, Jack Alford, Luke Hefter

School:

Westhampton Beach High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Dianna Gobler

Abstract:

Sharks are an important part of marine ecosystems because they help control fish populations and maintain balance in the ocean food chain. In recent years, more sharks have been spotted near Long Island beaches, likely following swarms of baitfish like menhaden, mackerel, and mullet, which are attracted to warmer water temperatures. This project aims to study which shark species are present along the south shore of Long Island and how their presence relates to baitfish populations. Water samples will be collected twice a week from multiple beaches, and environmental DNA (eDNA) will be extracted and analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing to identify sharks and fish in the area. The data will be compared to reference databases to determine species, their activity patterns, and possible seasonal changes. Understanding the movement and behavior of sharks will help scientists learn more about predator-prey relationships, support marine ecosystem health, and contribute to local conservation e

Team samples:

See all samples for project