Researching sharks in the Lowcounty

What does it take to protect one of the ocean’s most important predators?

Shark populations are in decline worldwide. Check out how Clemson University scientists and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as they conduct a multi-day field study in St. Helena Sound to uncover how toxins travel up the marine food chain.

How do they do it?
Using longlines, gill nets, and other specialized gear, the team catches finetooth and sandbar sharks. They record length measurements, draw blood, and take small muscle samples before releasing the animals back into the water. These specimens reveal how pollutants like heavy metals and PCBs accumulate at the top of the ocean food web, posing serious risks to both wildlife and coastal communities.

This detailed look at shark research, marine ecology, and contaminant analysis shows how science can inform smarter fisheries management and environmental policy.

Chapters
00:00 Shark Populations in Decline
00:33 Field Sampling in St. Helena Sound
01:41 Research Goals and Conservation Impact
02:34 Personal Passion for Marine Ecosystems

Bio:
The Clemson University College of Science is a place to explore big ideas and tackle real challenges. As a land-grant institution, we stay locally relevant by improving the lives of South Carolinians while preparing students to make a global impact. Whether it’s groundbreaking experiments, internships with top companies, or real-world problem-solving, science can change lives, including your own.

College of Science: https://www.clemson.edu/science/