Grace CasselberryGrace Casselberry

PhD Student, Marine Science and Technology

Contact: gracecasselberry.squarespace.com

Advisors: Andy Danylchuk and Greg Skomal

Applications of biotelemetry for the improved conservation and management of Elasmobranchs: From Caribbean marine protected areas to recreational fisheries science

Grace’s work integrates acoustic and satellite telemetry to address pressing issues in shark conservation by filling spatial ecology knowledge gaps for five shark species across two study areas, with a particular focus on marine protected areas (MPA) and predator-prey interactions. Research in Buck Island Reef National Monument, an MPA in St. Croix, USVI, focuses on residency and habitat use within the MPA for tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), Caribbean reef (Carcharhinus perezi), nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum), and lemon (Negaprion brevirostris) sharks, along with novel applications of network analysis to quantify regional connectivity and characterize inter- and intra-specific associations among individuals. As a NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar, Grace also conducts research in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, focusing on predator-prey interactions between great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) and Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and shark depredation in the recreational tarpon fishery. This work integrates visual surveys, telemetry, and social science and will provide important advances in recreational fisheries science as managers grapple with regional successes in shark conservation.

Support

  • NOAA – ONMS Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
  • National Geographic
  • Puerto Rico Sea Grant
  • PADI Foundation

Key Collaborators

  • National Park Service – Christiansted, St. Croix
  • NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
  • Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Publications

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Graytail Skate (Bathyraja griseocauda). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-04.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Daggernose Shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-05.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Striped Smoothhound (Mustelus fasciatus). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-06.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Narrownose Smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources.  SFD Contribution PCB-15-07.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Brazilian guitarfish (Rhinobatos horkelii). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-08.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the Argentine angel shark (Squatina argentina). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-09.

Casselberry, G.A. and J.K. Carlson.  2015. Endangered Species Act Status Review of the spiny angel shark (Squatina guggenheim). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. SFD Contribution PCB-15-10.