Research Methods

Ocean Ramsey conducting shark deterrent tests and research in South Australia for One ocean research

Current projects

One Ocean Research is a platform for collaborative research, and has several different ongoing projects. We study shark behavior, specifics on body language and it’s relation and change in the presence of humans and other animals, environmental conditions and other quantifiable and qualitative variables. We also provide independent testing for non-lethal mitigation devices also known as shark deterrents.

When you come out with @oneoceandiving ask your guiding biologist or naturalist about the current trends in correlating variables or which individual sharks have been present recently. We record all of our data everyday while on board and would love to share and answer your questions. The data set is also available for select collaborative research and conservation initiatives and has supported multiple master’s student's research projects. Check out our Shark ID division @oneoceansharks and its unique combination and use of social media, apps, and searchable hashtags to accurately catalog and easily reference ID’s. We make a conscious effort to minimize our behavioral impact as much as possible while collecting our data and utilize noninvasive research techniques to observe monitor, and document local shark populations.

Diver interacting with a whale shark underwater.

Photo Identification

We have cataloged over 300 individual sharks of multiple species based on unique scars, markings, and natural deformities. Familiarizing individuals within the population reveals new insights into the timing of seasonal movements, behavioral tendencies, and dominance patterns. Photogrammetry (a Green laser tool) is also utilized to obtain the approximate length of the animal and compare it over time.

A group of sharks swimming over a coral reef at night.

Seasonal Migration Patterns

Seasonal shifts in species and abundance occur throughout the year, and the timing of these shifts is analyzed in combination with abiotic factors such as air temperature, water temperature, pressure systems, moon phase, swell, wind, and more to reveal patterns of movement and habitat use among semi-residential species.

Population Dynamics

Our population dynamics surveys target multiple aggregation sites across a diverse range of species. While over 40 shark species inhabit Hawaiian waters, our dive observations are predominantly dominated by Carcharhinus plumbeus (sandbar shark) and Carcharhinus galapagensis (Galapagos shark), with occasional occurrences of Galeocerdo cuvier (tiger shark) and Sphyrna spp. (hammerhead sharks).

Behavioral studies

Video footage is taken on every dive as a behavioral reference, and later analyzed to document and track agonistic behavior or territorial displays to help expand our understanding of shark social dynamics.