How tiger sharks affect Shark Bay’s ecosystem

The Shark Bay ecosystem research project, initiated nearly 20 years ago, focuses on understanding the role of Tiger sharks as top predators. The study involves tagging and tracking sharks to observe their habitat preferences and impact on other species like dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles. Researchers use cages to study seagrass growth in areas with varying shark presence, revealing that Tiger sharks influence the distribution and health of seagrass beds. The findings highlight the critical role of Tiger sharks in maintaining ecosystem balance, as their presence deters grazers, allowing seagrass to thrive, which benefits the entire food chain.

What impact do grazers have on seagrass when Tiger sharks are present?

Why is the presence of Tiger sharks considered beneficial for the ecosystem?