Researchers study first known blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters

News admin July 30, 2026 0 Comments

Researchers study first known blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii scientists are making new discoveries about the early stages of life in blacktip sharks.

Marine biologists at the University of Hawaii at Hilo have identified the first known blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters.

In a study published in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal, researchers found that juvenile blacktip sharks live in Hilo Bay throughout the year.

By tracking the young sharks’ movements and observing their behavior for 18 months, scientists were able to gain new insights about these sharks use Hilo Bay during their first years of life.

“When we think about humans impacting sharks we typically think about overfishing, bycatch or even taking sharks for their fins,” said Jason Turner, associate professor of marine science at UH Hilo and co-author of the study. “What we often forget is that impacting their habitat can also be devastating whether that means increased development, maritime traffic, pollution, or the effects of climate change on an area like Hilo Bay.”

Before their work began, the study’s authors spent time learning about the cultural significance of the area.

UH Hilo marine science alumna Roxane Keliʻikipikāneokolohaka, who serves as the executive director of Kiaʻi Kanaloa, a network of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners who care for marine animals, provided guidance and knowledge about Native Hawaiian protocols.

“In the Hawaiian worldview, setting intention, acknowledging the entities of space and time, asking permission, offering hoʻokupu (ceremonial gifts), and expressing gratitude are rituals required of kanaka as part of a reciprocal exchange with the elements,” Turner said.

Scientists will now expand their research to examine 15 years of shark and ray populations in Hilo Bay.