Montauk

  • RESEARCH
  • EDUCATION
  • COLLABORATION

In Partnership With:

Research

Our work spans a diverse range of scientific disciplines, with a core focus on shark biology, ecology, and conservation. While we actively study shark behavior  and ecology, a significant portion of our research is dedicated to conservation engineering. Currently, we are leading two major projects aimed at reducing shark mortality on a global scale. Below, you’ll find brief overviews of many of our ongoing projects.

Shark Exclusion Barrier

PI:  Dr. Craig O’Connell

The Shark Exclusion Barrier is a cutting-edge, non-lethal solution designed to protect both people and sharks. Developed with conservation in mind, this barrier uses a combination of visual cues, electro-magnets and energy-shedding/flexible materials to deter sharks from entering designated swimming areas without harming them. Unlike traditional nets or drumlines, it poses no risk of entanglement or bycatch. The system has proven effective at deterring large coastal species, including bull sharks and white sharks, during rigorous field testing. Its modular design allows for easy deployment and adaptability in various coastal environments. By prioritizing safety and sustainability, the Shark Exclusion Barrier represents a major step forward in coexistence-based shark management.  We hope that this system can replace harmful culling measures implemented in locations such as South Africa and Australia. 

Smooth Hammerhead Migration Study

PI:  Dr. Craig O’Connell, Steven Sitzer, Timothy Lis, Julia Crews, Hugh McGuigan and Isabel Pezzano

Smooth hammerheads are among the most elusive and understudied sharks in the Northwest Atlantic. Each summer, they make brief but intriguing appearances around Montauk, often seen associated with local shipwrecks. But what draws them here? How long do they stay—and where do they go next? Our research seeks to unravel these mysteries and determine just how important Montauk is to their life cycle. Over the next five years, we’ll deploy satellite tags, FinCams, acoustic tags, and BRUVS to track their movements and gain unprecedented insight into the migratory behavior of this remarkable species.

Sandbar Shark Behavior in Long Island Sound

PI:  Dr. Craig O’Connell, Timothy Lis, Steven Sitzer, Julia Crews, Isabel Pezzano, Hugh McGuigan, and Anthony Ferrandino

In the summer of 2024, thanks to Anthony Ferrandino, we were introduced to an extraordinary site teeming with sandbar sharks—some of the largest individuals ever recorded. At this location, we tagged a record-breaking 9-foot female, highlighting just how unique and important this area may be. But why are so many large females gathering here? Could it be to avoid male harassment, to give birth, or to feed? We don’t yet know—but we’re determined to find out. Over the next five years, we’ll be deploying satellite and acoustic tags, along with FinCams, to uncover the secrets behind this extraordinary site and to use the associated data to determine habitat utilization patterns of these sharks within the LI Sound

Shortfin Mako Shark Nursery Area

PI:  Julia Crews, Steven Sitzer, Timothy Lis, Isabel Pezzano, Shae Shandroff, Hugh McGuigan, Dr. Craig O’Connell

Over the past four years, our team has tagged neonate and juvenile shortfin mako sharks to identify a potential nursery area off of Montauk, NY.  This species has experienced significant population declines within the NW Atlantic Ocean and therefore identifying key habitats that may be essential to the survival of this species (e.g. nursery grounds) is a critical initiative.  While this is a 5-year study, we will continue to monitor multiple life-stages of this species over the next several years.  The data collected will be used to support policy recommendations aimed at enhancing protection measures for this endangered species. 

White Shark Parturition

PI:  Dr. Craig O’Connell, Timothy Lis, Steven Sitzer, Julia Crews, Hugh McGuigan, and Isabel Pezzano

The New York Bight, including the waters off Montauk, is recognized as a nursery area for white sharks—but the exact locations where these sharks give birth remain a mystery. Our team works at a unique site where we’ve consistently encountered some of the smallest white sharks ever recorded, including a record-setting 37-inch individual that we successfully tagged and released (world’s smallest white shark ever tagged and released!!). These sightings occur only during a brief window each year, tied to specific environmental conditions like water temperature—conditions we’ve now identified. Could this mean adult white sharks are passing through the area to give birth? We’re using cutting-edge technology to find out. Over the next five years, we aim to uncover and share groundbreaking insights into white shark parturition in the region.

FishSafeTM Hook

PI:  Dr. Craig O’Connell, Timothy Lis, Steven Sitzer, Julia Crews, Hugh McGuigan, and Isabel Pezzano

This is an exciting new project.  We can’t quite share any details on the new technology but it will be extensively tested over the next two years and we hope it revolutionizes shark fishing!