The complex and interdependent nature of the current and emerging challenges facing the oceans require an integrated approach, uniting innovations in science, education, and action. Oregon State University–a world class research university–is well positioned to lead such an initiative through the internationally recognized science of Dr. James Sulikowski and Dr. Taylor Chapple.
Photo Credit - The Irish Basking Shark Group
About Us and Our Research
Both Dr. Sulikowski and Dr. Chapple have dedicated their careers to being marine stewards. Their work, centered on marine apex predator conservation - especially sharks - stretches globally across our ocean planet. Together, they form a dynamic duo of shark science, unique to universities across the world. Together, they innovate how shark research is typically pursued, inventing new technologies and techniques to help protect and save sharks, which in turn helps keep marine ecosystems and the communities and industries they support vibrant and productive. Together, they have built a team of international collaborators and a unique community, bringing complementary expertise in climate science, ecology, behavior, and physiology that are critical to advancing the mission to conserve sharks and the ecosystems they inhabit.
For the last 20 years, Dr. Sulikowski, Dr. Chapple, and their partners have led scientific, technological, and data-driven advancements in how sharks and other marine predators are studied and protected, helping us better understand the numerous complex challenges facing these fish. This work has resulted in nearly 400 scientific publications, new insights into shark movements and behavior, and groundbreaking new technologies to remotely observe these animals and learn more about their reproduction – a topic about which we know very little but is critical to informing policy designed to protect sharks. This collective research has also produced a substantial media impact including features on national and international news channels, as well as science-based productions by the BBC, the Discovery channel and National Geographic, bringing much needed recognition to these misunderstood animals. In addition, Drs. Sulikowski and Chapple have trained hundreds of students from all demographic backgrounds, with a dedicated and ongoing emphasis on increasing diversity in this field. These actions are deliberately designed to build the next generation of shark- and oceans-focused STEM ambassadors in coastal communities worldwide, equipped with knowledge of cutting edge scientific and technological innovation in shark research.
In The News
Spearfisherman comes face to face with great white shark off Oregon Coast
“It’s more often than not a shark is going to see you than you are going to see the shark. I’m sure this fisherman has had a shark around them...
A population of white sharks is hiding in the Mediterranean Sea – and scientists are desperate to find them. Here’s why
Taylor Chapple, an assistant professor at Oregon State University and white shark expert, explains how the diet of these animals – which...
Researchers Discover Critically Endangered Shark Species in the Salish Sea
Researchers at Oregon State University have made the first scientific confirmation of two distinct shark species in Puget Sound, including one...
Oregon researchers find first-ever evidence of attack on ‘phantom’ shark
A team of scientists from Arizona, Oregon and Rhode Island had been tracking a pregnant, porbeagle shark for hundreds of miles from New England...
Oregon researchers find first-ever evidence of attack on ‘phantom’ shark
“Little did we know that a big shark, like a porbeagle – a fast-moving shark – was food for something bigger,” Dr. James Sulikowski, the...
Researchers shocked after 8-foot shark is eaten by a predator. But who's the culprit?
Porbeagle shark was eaten by a warm-blooded predator, team says. Sulikowski said the team put two different tags on their subject sharks.
Why are there increased salmon sharks sightings around Kodiak? Researchers aren't sure
“Historically they were called salmon sharks because they were seen at the river mouths up in Alaska eating salmon," Alexandra McInturf, a...
Two shark species documented in Puget Sound for first time by Oregon State researchers
Oregon State University researchers have made the first scientific confirmation in Puget Sound of two distinct shark species, one of them...
Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike
Hours after tagging an endangered basking shark off the coast of Ireland in April, researchers captured what they believe is the first ever...
Researchers discover new shark species in Puget Sound
A team made up of researchers from Oregon State, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and NOAA are scanning the waters of South Puget...
Celebrating Shark Week!
It's officially shark week! Research Associate from OSU's Big Fish Lab, Dr. Alexandra McInturf, helped us celebrate and appreciate these often-...
Oregon State University hosting in-person shark dissection at McMenamins
Oregon State University’s Big Fish Lab is giving a “grand finale” presentation of its educational “Summer of the Shark” series — which includes...
What are the chances of a shark attack on the Oregon Coast?
Despite the recent attacks, Oregon State University shark expert Taylor Chapple told KOIN 6 News that the odds of a shark attack occurring in...
Uncharted Waters
There’s a lot of fisheries management here in the Pacific Northwest to keep ecosystems and economies healthy. Dungeness crab, halibut, salmon—...
‘I’m happy we’re not killing them any more’: Ireland’s last basking shark hunter on the return of the giants
“It’s astounding,” says Alex McInturf, a coordinator for the Irish...
Big Fish Lab featured in Oregon State University's Stater Magazine!
OSU RESEARCHERS are working to change sharks' reputation and replace by our ignorance with awe.
Big Fish Lab's Taylor Chapple honored as an OSU Research Champion!
The Big Fish Lab's Dr. Taylor Chapple was recognized at a Beaver Football home game at Reser Stadium for the important work that he and the Big...
OSU-Cascades to host science pub talk on sharks
Oregon State University-Cascades will host a science pub talk Nov. 14 on sharks and research at the Chapple Big Fish Lab at the university's...
Science Pub talk on sharks set for October in Corvallis
Oregon State University’s Science Pub event return in October to Corvallis focused on the secret lives of sharks. The talk will take place at 6...
Fun Facts about Shark Moms - KATU Afternoon Live with Dr. Alexandra McInturf
Dr. Alexandra McInturf, a post-doctoral researcher from OSU's...
Humans are not on sharks’ ‘menu’ despite sighting surge: Dr. James Sulikowski
Shark expert Dr. James Sulikowski joins ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast’ to discuss the surge of shark sightings and its impact on Northeast beaches...
The BFL's Dr. McInturf talks Shark Facts with Portland's KATU News!
Dr. Alexandra McInturf, Post-Doctoral Researcher from OSU's ...
In Search of the Baby Sharks
Scientists are helping bring back shark populations that were overfished in the 1980s and studying baby sharks in an effort to better understand...
Recent shark attacks are worrying beach-goers, yet experts say they're very rare
It's worth bearing in mind that many interactions with sharks are with smaller species that are unlikely to cause serious injuries, said James...
Man Loses Foot After Hawaii Shark Attack
Shark expert James Sulikowski, a marine biologist at the Sulikowski Shark and Fish Conservation Lab, told Newsweek that these types of...
Big Fish Lab featured in local news...Sharks 101 with Dr. Taylor Chapple
Dr. Taylor Chapple, assistant professor specializing in marine predator movement and dynamics with the Big Fish Lab, dropped by KATU news to...
Oregon State Researcher Leads International Effort to Protect Basking Sharks in Ireland
Like so many efforts to advance legal protections for endangered species, the science was key to shining a light on declining numbers of basking...
Hatfield Marine Science Center Features Live Oregon Coast Shark Event
October's Science On Tap event in Newport will give you a closer glimpse into the world of sharks on the Oregon coast. It's a night of sharks,...
Sharp Decline in Basking Shark Sightings in California
A study published by the Big Fish Lab’s Alexandra McInturf, as part of her PhD, confirms a striking decrease in basking shark sightings after...
Sharks are common in local waters
Taylor Chapple, assistant professor at the Marine, Fishing and Wildlife Department at Oregon State University, encourages people to explore the...
A Signal in the Ocean: Tracking tomorrow's Tiger Sharks
How new technology is helping aid shark conservation. Many pet owners insert chips in their dogs to track them in case of an emergency, but for...
Whale sharks may live up to a century, Cold War bomb dating reveals
“This study is really important because it gets rid of some of those questions about the age and growth patterns of whale sharks,” says ...