Tampa Bay isn’t just home to sunbathers and seagrass—it’s a living lab for some of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures: sharks. From the sleek bull shark to the wide-eyed hammerhead, these top predators are being closely studied by scientists hoping to understand, protect, and coexist with them.
How Shark Tagging Works
Scientists from institutions like Mote Marine Laboratory and USF’s College of Marine Science use a variety of tagging techniques to study shark behavior. Acoustic tags emit sound pulses tracked by underwater receivers throughout the bay, while satellite tags ping location data to researchers in near real time. These tools help scientists follow migration routes, identify pupping grounds, and understand seasonal behavior patterns.
Why Sharks Matter
Sharks aren’t just predators—they’re vital regulators of marine ecosystems. By feeding on weak or sick fish, they help maintain a balanced food web. Removing sharks can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to cascading effects like overpopulation of certain species and the decline of seagrass beds or coral reefs.
Local Research & Discoveries
In recent years, local researchers have confirmed Tampa Bay as a critical nursery for young bull sharks and other species. Tagging studies have shown that juveniles tend to stay in the warm, protected estuarine waters—especially near mangroves and tidal creeks—for the first few years of life before venturing farther offshore. These findings have helped shape conservation policies and habitat protection efforts.
Citizen Science in Action
Want to get involved? Apps like SharkNet or programs like iNaturalist allow boaters, divers, and beachgoers to log shark sightings and contribute to real research. Mote Marine’s Shark Spotters initiative also invites the public to report shark activity and share data with scientists—because the more we know, the better we can protect these incredible creatures.