Sharks
Sharks are marine fishes that can be found throughout the world oceans, including in the Arctic. Only nine species are found with regularity in the North-Atlantic waters near Iceland.
The previous research of this laboratory has focused on species both common and important within Canadian waters. The blue shark (Prionace glauca), porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus), mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) are four shark species that are particularly common in the North Atlantic region. The blue shark is sought after as a sport fish while the porbeagle, mako and spiny dogfish are part of a Canadian commercial fishery. All of these sharks are the subject of considerable research at our laboratory.
The Shark Research Laboratory is now responsible for research on the shark species found off of the shore of Iceland, particularly those that are fished commercially or recreationally. Ongoing research on the biology, abundance and population health of these magnificent fish is necessary in order to insure that catches are sustainable over the long term without endangering the health of the populations.
Many questions concerning shark biology and fisheries can be answered by using this website. Due to the large number of inquiries, we are unable to assist with student projects.