New Study Suggests Shark Declines Can Lead to Changes in Reef Fish Body Shapes (VIDEO)

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

Caption

Scientists studying nearly identical coral reef systems off Australia discovered something unusual on the reefs subjected to nearly exclusive fishing of sharks--fish with significantly smaller eyes and tails. The study is the first field evidence of body shape changes in fish due to human-driven shark declines from overfishing. These findings shed new light on the cascading effects the loss of the ocean's top predators ishaving on marine ecosystems.

Credit

Savannah Geary and Alison Enchelmaier

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.