The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) partners with Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) to support sustainable future for sharks 

Predators like sharks play a crucial role in healthy marine ecosystems. The oceans are our life support; we rely on them for food, livelihoods and a stable climate, but their role is heavily jeopardised by overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and climate change. 

Dr. Kelly Kingon of the Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies (CMOS) at UTT, has committed her expertise to minimising these negative impacts. Most recently, Dr. Kingon conceptualised a research proposal entitled "Collaborating with Locals to Assess Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) Nurseries and Develop Community-Supported Conservation Goals". Dr. Kingon’s research proposal was successfully selected by the Save our Seas Foundation and awarded US$27,708 to facilitate research. SOSF is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans, with a particular focus on securing a sustainable future for sharks and rays. 

Numerous sharks are caught in Trinidad and Tobago as bycatch and via targeted fisheries. Trinidad and Tobago was ranked 5th in the world in 2013 as exporters of shark fins, and shark meat is commonly consumed in the local dish, bake and shark. Research has shown that Scalloped Hammerheads are one of the most commonly caught sharks in Trinidad. 

To this end, this research project seeks to specifically evaluate Scalloped Hammerhead nurseries with the assistance of fishers by delineating, characterising and investigating their spatial and temporal usage. Genetic and tag/recapture data will be used to assess connectivity, site fidelity, and the number of breeders in each area. Finally, the findings will be discussed with stakeholders to develop management recommendations that protect nurseries while ensuring livelihoods of those who fish. 

We thank the Save our Seas Foundation in supporting our research endeavours. We trust that our research findings will be utilised to support efforts to protect our marine ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for sharks.