Research and Methods
Ocean, Research, Conservation, and You
Ocean has worked with several different researchers around the world. At home in Hawaii, she is part of One Ocean Research, a center and platform for collaborative research, with 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 collected research variables or which individual sharks have been present recently. We record all of our data every day 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 students' 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.
Some Current & Previous Research Projects & Published Papers
Population Dynamics
Photo Identification
Photo Identification
Our research employs noninvasive survey methods at multiple shark aggregation sites to study population dynamics in Hawaiian waters. While over 40 elasmobranch species inhabit this region, our focal species include sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and Galapagos sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), with periodic observations of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini). Through longitudinal photo-ID and behavioral monitoring, we are quantifying:
- Individual site fidelity and visitation periodicity
- Ontogenetic shifts in habitat use and behavior
- Seasonal fluctuations in abundance and distribution
These data are advancing our understanding of shark population ecology in this critical marine ecosystem
Photo Identification
Photo Identification
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. Photo identification is a noninvasive method of study that gives us many baseline data points for everything from changes to external morphology to a marker to observe for consistency or inconsistency and behavior.
Behavioral studies
Seasonal Migration Patterns
Seasonal Migration Patterns
Video footage is taken on every dive as a behavioral reference, and later analyzed to document and track agonistic behavior and territorial displays to help facilitate more positive interactions and increase our understanding of behaviors that may lead to physical confrontation.
Learn more about the specific swim patterns and threat displays we record by reading Ocean Ramsey's book "What You Should Know About Sharks" or join us on a dive and ask to see our field ID data set to view the variables we are measuring and recording.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
Seasonal Migration Patterns
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.
Some Of Ocean Ramsey's Favorite Research She worked on
Nonlethal noninvasive research resulting in a published peer-reviewed paper
Peer-reviewed research on the Effectiveness Against White Sharks of a non-lethal Personal Shark Deterrent Device Designed for Surfers
The role of shark ecotourism in conservation behaviour: Evidence from Hawaii
Ocean collected over 500 data points for this published peer-reviewed study that supports conservation and shows the positive impact of educational ecotourism
Looking to support great researchers. Ocean Suggests:
Thank you for helping to protect sharks in Hawaii!!
Thank you! Mahalo nui loa to everyone who supported HB553, after many years we finally won protection for manō (sharks) in Hawaii!!!