Current Research Projects
Georgia shark research
As a research scientist for the Georgia Aquarium Research and Conservation department, I am leading several shark research projects on the coast of Georgia. These efforts include shark surveys, tagging, health assessments, and understanding how human noise impacts coastal environments that may be important areas for sharks and rays.
My current research here focuses on identifying spatial-temporal changes to shark populations, microbial work to classify shark health, and investigating shark depredation across the state.
Global shark and ray conservation
I am involved in several global shark and ray projects dedicated to conservation. Largely, this includes zebra sharks and bowmouth guitarfish and studying the movement ecology of critically endangered species.
PAST Research Projects
Biotrack: Monitoring Highly Mobile Shark species
I co-led a project titled BioTrack to monitor and assess the biodiversity hotspots of marine megafauna, including sharks. This work was part of my PhD dissertation.
For my masters research I investigated the microbiome of bull, blacktip, and tiger sharks in South Florida waters. My research suggests that each shark has a unique microbiome that in combination with their skin creates an extraordinary defense mechanism from outside pathogens and infection.
In collaboration with Project Hiu of Indonesia, we became the first team to ever satellite tag a tiger shark in Indonesian waters. This research project is ongoing to monitor the habitat use of this vulnerable species and to recommend management areas to protect them.
Chelsea Black, PhD 