Video from: Towards dynamic conservation and dynamic management of a migratory shark species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Data files
Sep 25, 2026 version files 1.34 GB
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Movie_S1.mp4
1.34 GB
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README.md
1.31 KB
Abstract
Highly migratory pelagic species such as the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) are experiencing widespread population declines, largely driven by targeted fisheries and bycatch. While existing spatial conservation measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs) play an important role in safeguarding marine biodiversity, such highly mobile predators continue to face pressures beyond static boundaries. To better understand and support dynamic conservation and management of this species, we developed a high-resolution (daily, 9 km) species distribution model (SDM) to assess habitat suitability across the Eastern Tropical Pacific using ~17 years of satellite tracking data. Our daily projections reveal that habitat suitability varies markedly in response to environmental conditions, including El Niño events, and a dynamically changing contribution of MPAs and Important Shark and Ray Areas. Our findings suggest a potential pathway towards near-real-time dynamic management and conservation, and the need for integrated spatial protection strategies that account for multiscale environmental variability in shark habitat.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.msbcc2gbk
Description of the data and file structure
This is the movie for the paper Towards near-real-time conservation and dynamic management of a migratory shark species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
This animation shows daily habitat suitability for the silky shark in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, from January 2005 to October 2021. Light blue / white colors represent high suitability, while dark blue represents low suitability.
Authors
Salazar-Cervantes, Esteban; Ketchum, James Thomas; Hearn, Alex; Penaherrera-Palma, Cesar; Boerder, Kristina; Schillinger, George; Espinoza, Eduardo; Klimley, Peter Abbot; Windstein, Marie; Arauz, Randall; Hoyos-Padilla, Mauricio; Bessudo, Sandra; Tittensor, Derek
Files and variables
File: Movie_S1.mp4
Description: Animation of daily habitat suitability for the silky shark in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, from January 2005 to October 2021. Light blue / white colors represent high suitability, while dark blue represents low suitability.
MPA: Marine Protected Areas
ISRA: Important Shark and Ray Areas
HSI: Habitat Suitability Index
