🦈Leopard sharks gather in La Jolla Shores to incubate their embryos.
🌊The presence of a canyon in the area affects wave energy and water temperature, attracting sharks.
🚁Drones are used to track individual sharks and analyze their behavior.
🦟Sharks roll and flip to dislodge ectoparasites, supporting the theory of a mating ground.
🙌Studying sharks has empowered researchers to advocate for misunderstood species and promote self-acceptance.
Why do leopard sharks gather in La Jolla Shores?
—Leopard sharks gather in La Jolla Shores to incubate their developing embryos in warm water.
What role does the canyon play in attracting sharks?
—The presence of a canyon diverts wave energy and creates a calm, warm water patch that leopard sharks find favorable.
How are drones used in studying shark behavior?
—Drones are used to track individual sharks, analyze their movements, and study their interactions with each other.
Why do sharks roll and flip?
—Sharks roll and flip to dislodge ectoparasites from their bodies, and this behavior may also indicate a mating ground.
How has studying sharks impacted the researchers?
—Studying sharks has empowered the researchers, helped them advocate for misunderstood species, and promote self-acceptance.
00:02The video begins in La Jolla Shores, where researchers investigate leopard shark behavior.
02:02Drones are used to observe and track the leopard sharks, revealing their underwater movements.
04:20The researchers discover that other species like shovelnose guitarfish and bat rays also gather in the same area.
06:24The researchers capture live leopard sharks to examine them for parasites and study their DNA.
08:04A male guitarfish is caught, providing additional insights into the mating behaviors of these species.
09:31The researchers find few parasites on the sharks, suggesting that their rolling behavior effectively dislodges ectoparasites.
11:58The researchers reflect on their personal connections to sharks and the importance of advocating for both sharks and marginalized communities.
12:34The mentorship and research experiences have empowered the researchers to become confident scientists and activists.
