Innovative Shark Research for Marine Conservation
Explore noninvasive methods to protect marine life sustainably
About One Ocean Research
Our Mission
At One Ocean Research, we are dedicated to advancing shark science through innovative, noninvasive methodologies. Our mission is to educate the public about the vital role sharks play in our ecosystems and to conserve shark and marine populations through ethical techniques. We aim to study and share more informed methods of coexistence between humans and sharks, promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship through research, education, and outreach, ensuring the health and survival of species, ecosystems, and individuals for the benefit of present and future generations.
Humane Shark Research: A Better Way to Study & Protect
Traditional shark tagging methods often involve invasive procedures—capture, restraint, and physical attachment of tags—that can cause severe stress, injury, or even death. Studies show that these outdated techniques risk jaw fractures, fin damage, and long-term harm from wounds or infections. Many sharks die after release due to the trauma of handling, while others suffer reduced mobility, feeding ability, or reproductive success.
At One Ocean Research, we use noninvasive, welfare-first methodologies that eliminate these risks. Our techniques—including photo-ID, laser photogrammetry, and temporary biologgers, Drone, EDNA, and in-water recordings—provide critical scientific data without harming sharks or disrupting their natural behaviors. By prioritizing animal welfare, we ensure our research supports conservation without contributing to population declines.
The future of shark science must be ethical, sustainable, and non-lethal. Supporting humane research helps protect these vital ocean predators—not just in our studies, but as a global standard.
Key Benefits of Noninvasive Research:
✔ No physical harm (no hooks, no surgery, no forced restraint)
✔ No long-term behavioral disruption (sharks remain undisturbed)
✔ More accurate data (natural behaviors aren’t altered by stress)
✔ Supports conservation (healthy sharks = thriving ecosystems)
By choosing welfare-focused science, we can protect sharks while studying them—because true conservation shouldn’t come at the cost of animal suffering.
Noninvasive research projects
Photo Identification
Photo Identification for Individual Recognition and Population Monitoring
One Ocean Research utilizes photo-identification techniques to catalog and monitor shark populations noninvasively. This methodology involves:
- Documenting unique natural markings including spot and stripe patterns scarifications, and pigmentation variations
- Employing pattern recognition algorithms (similar to facial recognition software) to match individuals across encounters
- Contributing to global databases such as Wildbook.ai for population trend analysis
This technique has enabled:
- Long-term tracking of site fidelity in Hawaiian shark species
- Documentation of seasonal movement patterns
- Growth rate estimations when combined with laser photogrammetry data
Behavioral Ethology
Behavioral Ethology Through Filmed Documentation.
The team conducts rigorous daily systematic behavioral observations using underwater videography to:
- Record and analyze agonistic displays
- Document social interactions
- Quantify response thresholds to various stimuli in natural environments
This approach provides critical data on:
- Natural shark behavioral repertoires
- Baseline responses to anthropogenic presence
- Social hierarchy establishment in meso-pelagic and near-shore species
Shark Deterrent Efficacy Testing
One Ocean Research conducts independent, scientific testing of shark deterrents like the Rpela v2 (Huveneers et al. study). Using controlled trials, they found a 66% reduction in bites when activated. Their rigorous, peer-reviewed research advances ethical, non-lethal solutions for human-shark coexistence while setting global standards for shark safety tech evaluation.
- Significance: Contributes to evidence-based shark mitigation strategies
This research aligns with global efforts to develop non-lethal shark-human conflict mitigation solutions.
Current Noninvasive research project list continued
Aerial and Subsurface Drone Surveillance
One Ocean Research incorporates
-unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) and autonomous underwater vehicles and (AUVs) for:
- Population distribution mapping in offshore habitats
- Natural predation event documentation without observer effects
- Human-shark interaction analysis *at tourism sites
This methodology provides:
- Broad-scale movement data
- Context for in-water observations
- Safety monitoring capabilities
Biologging
Short-term Biologging Using temporary Dorsal-mounted Cameras*AKA*CATS Cameras
The team periodically employs temporary attachment biologging devices such as CATS Camera's to:
- Record fine-scale movement patterns (depth, acceleration, body position)
- Capture natural feeding behaviors without long-term tagging effects
- Obtain first-person perspective footage of shark-environment interactions
These devices feature:
- Non-penetrating attachment mechanisms
- Programmable release systems
- High-resolution sensor packages
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling
One Ocean research has hosted researchers who utilized environmental DNA collection protocols to:
- Detect species presence/absence in survey areas
- Monitor rare or elusive species without direct interaction
- Complement visual survey methods
This technique involves:
- Sterile water sampling protocols
- PCR amplification of shark-specific DNA markers
- Sequence analysis for species identification
Laser Photogrammetry for Morphometric Analysis
The research program employs paired-laser photogrammetry systems to:
- Obtain precise body length measurements* (±1% accuracy)
- Track individual growth rates across seasons
- Estimate size-class distributions in populations
This non-contact method:
- Eliminates handling stress
- Allows repeated measurements of wild individuals
- Provides data for life history parameter estimation
About One Ocean Shark Research
Our Research Areas
Meet the our new research leaders
Meet the our new research leaders
At One Ocean Shark Research, we conduct research in a wide range of areas, including seafood industry impacts, population dynamics, public safety implications, and more. We are committed to tackling some of the most pressing issues facing shark populations today, and we believe that our work can make a real difference.
Meet the our new research leaders
Meet the our new research leaders
Meet the our new research leaders
Our diverse team has had contributors from more than 10 countries and our current on-island lead researchers are excited to share the latest observations and trends
About One Ocean Shark Research
Our Vision
Our Partnerships
Our Approach
At One Ocean Shark Research, we envision a world where scientific research and innovation are accessible to all and have the power to transform society. We are committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and driving progress through groundbreaking research and discovery.
Our Approach
Our Partnerships
Our Approach
Our approach to research is interdisciplinary and collaborative, bringing together experts from the community to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation. We prioritize projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on society and support conservation.
Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
At One Ocean Shark Research, we believe that collaboration and partnerships are essential to driving progress and advancing scientific research. We work with industry partners and other international organizations to support interdisciplinary research and accelerate the pace of discovery and change.
Modern Innovative Ethical Research with an inclusive communi
Research Projects
We are currently working on several research projects, including defining methods for truly sustainable ecotourism, nonlethal mitigation devices, and photo identification. Our research is aimed at finding innovative solutions to some of the most deep-rooted shark and marine conservation issues our time.
Education Programs
We offer a variety of educational programs for students, teachers, and community members. Our programs include classroom presentations, seminars, and field trips that provide hands-on learning experiences and promote shark and environmental awareness.
Collaboration
Collaboration
One Ocean Research welcomes graduate and advanced undergraduate students in marine biology, ethology, environmental science, conservation biology, and related fields to utilize our facilities and datasets. We support rigorous, non-invasive research that benefits shark conservation or local communities while maintaining scientific objectivity. Proposed projects should align with our mission and demonstrate clear ecological or societal value without introducing bias to ongoing studies. Interested researchers should submit a brief proposal for review.
News & Events
Collaboration
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from One Ocean Research. From research updates to community events, our news letter has everything you need to know. Sign up at the bottom of this page and follow @OneOceanResearch and @OneOceanSharks for more quick updates.
Support Us
Support Us
Help us continue our important work by adopting a shark. Your donations and support allow us to continue our research, education, and outreach programs.