Protecting
Future
Generations
of
Sharks
Our Mission
To protect future generations of sharks as they face threats in an ever changing climate.
The Physioshark project, led by Dr. Jodie Rummer from James Cook University in Australia, investigates how climate change impacts the physiology of newborn and juvenile reef sharks. Sharks that are born today represent adult shark populations of the future. Understanding how human and environmental impacts affect these sharks is crucial knowledge for developing effective shark conservation strategies.
The fieldwork is based at the CRIOBE Research Center on Moorea, French Polynesia. The project investigates the physiological energetics (i.e., costs/benefits) of newborn blacktip reef and sicklefin lemon sharks living in the 11 potential nursery areas identified around the island. For instance, the research team is investigating how well newborn sharks cope with hot water temperatures in these nurseries and how the cost of growing up in these nurseries will change with increased human disturbances like coastal development and climate change.
While French Polynesia is a protected shark sanctuary, there is a need to address the sharks' physiological tolerance to the environmental conditions of their nurseries that will likely become more severe as climate change progresses. Decreases in physiological performance may translate to decreases in fitness.
What can we learn from these sharks – sharks that are protected in the largest shark sanctuary in the world – that can be applied not only locally, but also on a global scale?
Our Projects
Research
Our research focuses on the populations of newborn blacktip reef and lemon sharks that use nursery areas around the island of Moorea. The primary objective is to understand how sharks in nursery habitats maintain or alter their physiology to cope with stressful environmental conditions.
We collect newborn sharks from these nurseries and, in the nearby laboratory, simulate a variety of conditions, including increased water temperatures, low oxygen, an elevated carbon dioxide (low pH). Then, via a series of performance tests, we can determine how sharks may or may not cope with future ocean conditions. We then release the sharks back to the habitats in which they were captured, as we also do field monitoring of their whereabouts as well as the environmental conditions of their habitats.
Community and Education
It is important for us to connect with the future generations of marine stewards and conservationists. By visiting local schools on Moorea and Tahiti in French Polynesia and across Australia, we are able to educate kids and young adults about the the problems our oceans are facing and the science we are doing to hopefully understand and solve those problems. Not only will our youth be the future decision-makers faced with cleaning up and preserving biodiversity and natural resources, both land and sea, but even today, our youth are able to influence the adults in their lives that are key to current decision-making and management of marine resources.
Indeed, our presence in French Polynesia extends beyond the laboratory; we undertake vital outreach and education programs to give back to those who generously host us.
Dr Jodie Rummer and her team also frequently present at international conferences and public events including the World Science Festival, TED, and via media platforms including the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and ABC.
Get Involved
We love the passion that people bring to our project, and we are always on the look out for collaborators and partners.
There is plenty that you can do, from connecting with us on social media to hosting a screening of our new documentary.
If you have any questions about our project or how you can support us in our research, you can contact us here.
Baby Sharks in a Changing World
The Physioshark Research Program at James Cook University is dedicated to understanding how climate change is impacting sharks and informing conservation efforts. The team investigates the effects of rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and declining oxygen on the physiology and behaviour of sharks. Sharks are an important element of healthy environments and without them entire ocean ecosystems can fall out of balance.
Based on the Great Barrier Reef and in French Polynesia the Physioshark Research Program seeks to understand and protect sharks in a changing world. By working to safeguard these important predators, the team is contributing to the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems, which are essential to the well-being of our planet.
To encourage donations to the cause, JCU has set up a page for non-U.S. donors and a page for U.S. donors (for U.S.-specific tax deduction purposes).
Publications
Newborn blacktip reef sharks and simulated climate change conditions
Working with sharks in the field & laboratory
Elasmobranchs and climate change
Epaulette sharks hatching and developing under elevated temperatures
Healing rates in blacktip reef sharks
Epaulette and bamboo sharks under simulated ocean acidification conditions
Our Team
World-class researchers dedicated to understanding and protecting shark populations
Dr. Jodie Rummer
Professor
Chief Investigator
Dr Jodie Rummer is an Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University and formally a researcher in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies....
Affiliations
- Professor at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Dr. Johann Mourier
Researcher
Partner Researcher
In the past 10 years, Dr Mourier has become one of France's leading shark scientists. His research has focused on the ecology and conservation of marine predators, primarily sharks. He has been...
Dr. Ian Bouyoucos
Research collaborator
Originally from New York, Ian completed his B.Sc. at the University of Michigan, and his M.Sc. at the University of Illinois under the supervision of Dr. Cory Suski. For his Master's thesis, he...
Affiliations
- PhD Graduate at James Cook University, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Australia)
- PhD Graduate at École Pratique des Hautes Études, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement (French Polynesia)
Dr. Gail Schwieterman
Research collaborator
Gail's research focuses on the understanding the impact of anthropogenic activities on coastal fish physiology with an emphasis on sharks and skates. She is interested in the intersections of basic...
Carolyn Wheeler
PhD Candidate
Originally from New York, Carolyn completed her BS in Marine Science at the University of New England in Maine. Her undergraduate honor's thesis focused on determining sex and maturity of Atlantic...
Affiliations
- PhD Candidate at University of Massachusetts Boston, School for the Environment (Boston, USA)
- PhD Candidate at James Cook University, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Australia)
- Researcher at New England Aquarium, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (Boston, USA)
Dr. Ornella Weideli
Research collaborator
Ornella is a Swiss marine biologist that has been studying shark ecology for the past eleven years. She is particularly interested in the behavioural and trophic ecology of sharks, as well as the...
José E. Trujillo
PhD Candidate
José is a PhD student investigating the ecological importance of nursery grounds to shark populations. His research is focused in the interplay between the habitat configuration and the mechanisms...
Rachel Skubel
Research collaborator
Rachel completed her Ph.D. at the University of Miami's Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy / Shark Research and Conservation Program.
She uses an interdisciplinary approach to study shark...
Affiliations
- PhD Graduate at University of Miami, Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy (Miami, USA)
Nao Nakamura
Laboratory and Field Technician
Technical Staff
Originally from Japan, but grew up in France where they completed their MSc (Hons) at Toulouse, Paul Sabatier University, specializing in animal behavior, cognition and neurosciences. During this...
Affiliations
- Laboratory and Field Technician at CRIOBE (Papetoai, Moorea, Polynésie française)
Floriaan Devloo-Delva
Volunteer
Floriaan followed an Erasmus Mundus in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the universities of Ghent (Belgium), Algarve (Portugal) and Oviedo (Spain), finishing with highest distinction. He is...
Affiliations
- Graduate at Multiple Universities, Erasmus Mundus Program (Europe)
Dennis Heinrich
Alumni
Dennis earned his Honours (1st class) at James Cook University under the supervision of Dr Jodie Rummer, Prof. Philip Munday, Prof. Colin Simpfendorfer, and Dr Michelle Heupel where he focused on...
Affiliations
- Honours Graduate at James Cook University (Australia)
Daniel Kraver
Alumni
Originally from Connecticut, Daniel earned his BSc degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2012. His research interests include ecology, physiology, and conservation of...
Affiliations
- Reef Resilience Coordinator at Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Coral Reef Conservation Program (Florida, USA)
Ian Silver-Gorges
Alumni
Originally from Washington D.C., Ian studied Biology at Oberlin College in Ohio. At JCU, he assisted with epaulette shark research and husbandry in the Rummer Lab. His previous experiences include...
Affiliations
- Student at Oberlin College (Ohio, USA)
Stine Henriksen
Alumni
Stine earned her BSc in Biology with a Minor in Ecology and Physiology from the University of Southern Denmark. She decided to do part of her Masters degree at James Cook University where she...
Julia Peters
Alumni
Originally from New Jersey, USA, Julia worked towards a BSc in Environmental Science at Brown University in Rhode Island. Her interest in marine biology & conservation stemmed largely from previous...
Affiliations
- Student at Brown University (Rhode Island, USA)
Martijn Johnson
Alumni
Martijn earned his bachelors degree in applied science (majoring in fisheries) from University of Tasmania. His passion led him to Townsville to study tropical fish and fisheries. For his MSc in...
Affiliations
- Employee at Department of Primary Industries NSW, Fisheries Resources Department (NSW, Australia)
Connor Gervais
Alumni
Originally from California, Connor earned his BSc in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He earned his MSc (Distinction) at JCU with the Rummer Lab where he explored the...
Manon Amiguet
Alumni
Originally from south of France, Manon was doing a master of science (MSc) at EPHE University (Biodiversity and Environmental Management). During her previous internship she investigated demographics...
Affiliations
- MSc Student at CRIOBE (Moorea, French Polynesia)
Laura Kanzler-Boderke
Team Manager
Laura is currently pursuing an Undergraduate Degree in Science, majoring in Marine Biology at JCU. She joined the lab in early 2024 as a husbandry volunteer, took on the role of assistant lab manager...
Affiliations
- Undergraduate Student at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Australia)
Kylie Bostick
Masters Student
Kylie is a former master's student whose research investigated how environmental enrichment affected the cognition of captive brownbanded bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Her work is a...
Affiliations
- Masters Student at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Australia)
- Research Collaborator at Macquarie University (Australia)
Courtney Burns
Undergraduate Researcher
Courtney Burns is a Brataualung women from the Guanikurnai nation in Victoria, Australia. Courtney is deeply passionate about ocean Country health and an advocate for the use of diverse knowledge for...
Affiliations
- Undergraduate Researcher at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Australia)
Shamil Debaere
PhD Candidate
Shamil is joint PhD student at the University of Antwerp (Belgium) and James Cook University (Australia). He is an experimental physiologist with a particular interest in the stress physiology of...
Affiliations
- PhD Candidate at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
- PhD Candidate at University of Antwerp (Belgium)
Carmen Dobszewicz
Masters Student
Carmen Dobszewicz is a former member of the RummerLab, having completed her Master of Marine Biology (MMB) degree in November of 2024. Her research project investigated the hypoxia tolerance of early...
Affiliations
- Masters Graduate at James Cook University (Australia)
- Student at University of Sydney (Australia)
Sophia Emmons
PhD Candidate
Sophia Emmons is a PhD Candidate and cotutelle student with James Cook University and the University of South Florida, co-supervised by Dr. Jodie Rummer (JCU), Dr. Brad Seibel (USF), and Dr. Colin...
Affiliations
- PhD Candidate at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
- PhD Candidate at University of South Florida (Florida, USA)
Joel Gayford
PhD Candidate
Joel Gayford is a PhD Candidate in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University, founder of the Shark Measurements Research Group, and graduate of the University of Cambridge and...
Affiliations
- PhD Candidate at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
- Founder at Shark Measurements Research Group
Aaron Hasenei
PhD Candidate
Aaron is currently a PhD candidate within the Rummer Lab at James Cook University within the College of Science and Engineering. He comes from an eclectic background encompassing sports medicine,...
Affiliations
- PhD Candidate at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
- Lab Facilities Technician at James Cook University, Marine and Aquaculture Facilities Unit (Townsville, Australia)
Luca Hoffecker
Team Manager
Luca Hoffecker is a marine biologist and oceanographer from Vancouver, Canada. He studied biology and oceanography at the University of British Columbia with a specialization in marine mammals. Luca...
Affiliations
- Team Manager at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
- Co-founder at The FINstitue
Isaac Marshall
Undergraduate Researcher & Volunteer
Isaac Marshall was an undergraduate student who studied a Bachelor of Advanced Science majoring in marine biology at James Cook University. Isaac spent a little over a year as a volunteer in the...
Affiliations
- Undergraduate Researcher & Volunteer at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Chelsea B. Millward
Undergraduate Researcher
Chelsea joined the Rummer Lab in the second year of her undergraduate degree at James Cook University, where she was completing a BSc in Marine Biology. Chelsea started out as a volunteer but quickly...
Affiliations
- Undergraduate Researcher at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Valentino Pallini
Undergraduate Student of Marine Biology
Volunteer
Valentino Pallini is a current 3rd Year undergraduate student enrolled at James Cook University, as well as a epaulette shark/ anemonefish husbandry volunteer.
Affiliations
- Undergraduate Student at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Carmen Ritter
MSc
Research collaborator
Carmen studies fish and invertebrates in marine and coastal environments. Her lab and field research in the coastal United States, Caribbean, and Central America looked at an array of critters and...
Affiliations
- Team Leader of Marine and Terrestrial Sciences Lab & Tech at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Katie Seidel
Masters Student
Originally from Florida, Katie Seidel earned her BSc in Marine Biology from the University of South Florida. Katie is currently a Master's student conducting her research thesis on the effects of...
Affiliations
- Masters Student at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Emma Olivia Tormalm
Volunteer
Emma Olivia Tormalm is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelors in Marine Science at James Cook University. She has been a volunteer for the Rummer Lab since the beginning of 2024 and has...
Affiliations
- Volunteer at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Manuele Zanaboni
Volunteer
I'm a mature student who has recently finished up studying at JCU with a Bachelor of Science Majoring in Marine Biology. In my previous career I worked in the Construction industry specialising in...
Affiliations
- Founder at Project Ocean Oasis (Australia)
- Graduate at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Australia)
Miriam Zanforlin
Masters Student
Originally from Milan, Italy, Miriam earned her BSc in Biological Sciences from University of Milan. Since May 2024, she has been a husbandry volunteer in Dr. Jodie Rummer's lab. Her research...
Affiliations
- Masters Student at James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering (Townsville, Australia)
Kirsty Ballard
PhD Candidate
PhD Candidate
Kirsty Ballard is a PhD candidate based at Oregon State University, co-supervised by Jodie Rummer. Her primary supervisor is Professor James Sulikowski. She researches pregnant mother blacktip reef...
Arielle Cowton
Masters Student
Masters Student
Arielle Cowton is an MSc student researching the effects of photoperiod during embryonic development in epaulette sharks.
Tara Newberry
Masters Student
Masters Student
Tara Newberry is an MSc student researching the reproductive behaviour and distribution of nurse sharks in French Polynesia.
Jodie Bailie
Masters Student
Masters Student
Jodie Bailie is an MSc student researching when sharks are hungry — looking at season, reproductive state, and temperature.
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