Shark Attacks and Estuarine Ecosystems

In 2019, North Carolina experienced a series of shark attacks linked to Hurricane Florence's impact in 2018. The storm disrupted the state's estuaries, crucial for marine life, by introducing freshwater and pollutants that damaged seagrass habitats. This led to a breakdown in the food chain, causing sharks to move closer to shore, increasing risks for beachgoers.

What two species of sharks were involved in the 2019 North Carolina attacks?

• Nurse Sharks and Lemon Sharks

• Tiger Sharks and Makos

• Bulls and Black Tips

• Great Whites and Hammerheads

What natural event in 2018 is believed to have influenced the shark attacks in 2019?

• A solar eclipse

• Hurricane Florence

• A volcanic eruption

• A major earthquake

What is the primary plant that supports the estuarine ecosystem in North Carolina?

• Coral

• Mangroves

• Seagrass

• Kelp

What role does seagrass play in the estuarine ecosystem?

• It acts as a barrier against storms

• It shelters various marine creatures

• It filters pollutants from the water

• It provides oxygen to the water

How do tropical storms affect the estuarine ecosystem?

• They reduce the water temperature

• They create new habitats for marine life

• They introduce fresh water and pollutants

• They increase the salinity of the water

What happens to seagrass when it is affected by storm-induced sediment?

• It changes color

• It becomes more resilient

• It gets buried and dies

• It grows faster

What is a potential consequence of the disruption of the food chain in estuaries?

• Increased fish population

• Decreased water pollution

• Sharks moving closer to shore

• More frequent hurricanes

Why might sharks leave the estuarine system after a storm?

• They are attracted to human activity

• Their prey has diminished

• The water is too warm

• They prefer deeper waters

What is a direct risk to beachgoers when sharks move closer to shore?

• Greater sun exposure

• More frequent rip currents

• Increased jellyfish stings

• Higher chances of shark attacks

How long can it take for seagrass to recover after being damaged by a storm?

• One year

• Three years

• Five years

• Ten years