Living with Sharks: Depredation and Shark Behaviour with Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch | S2E4 (Part 1)

What happens when sharks and fisheries overlap?In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with marine neurobiologist Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch about shark depredation, shark behaviour, sensory ecology, and the complex relationship between sharks, fishers, and marine ecosystems.Together, Mark and Vic explore shark depredation, also known as bite-offs, where sharks remove fish from fishing gear before the catch can be retrieved. They discuss why this is becoming a growing issue for fishers, as well as the wider impacts on sharks, fisheries management, and marine ecosystems.The conversation also looks at what may drive depredation, including fishing activity, environmental conditions, and learned behaviour, and why predicting these interactions remains a challenge.Using Project Cucut in the Cocos Keeling Islands as a case study, Vic shares how researchers are working with local fishers and communities to better understand depredation and begin testing practical, non-lethal solutions.Listen to Part 2 to hear more about the solutions being tested, including shark deterrent technology, community engagement, and what successful coexistence between sharks and fishers could look like.Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org.Follow Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch:Email: shark.ethology@gmail.comRelated research and links:Project Cucut paper:https://connectsci.au/mf/article/77/4/MF25165/271787/Significant-reduction-in-shark-cucut-depredationLord Howe Island Shark Research Program paper:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-024-04549-5Follow the Shark Trust:InstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeSupport our work by becoming a member, adopting a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org.Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars.Artwork by rev.01 Studio.Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan.Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer.Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube.Chapters00:26 Meet Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch01:35 From Veterinary Science to Shark Research03:18 Shark Behaviour, Brains and Sensory Biology06:06 What Is Shark Depredation?07:59 Why Depredation Is Becoming a Growing Issue09:08 Why Are Sharks Attracted to Fishing Activity?12:05 Fisher Behaviour and Depredation13:18 Impacts on Fishers, Sharks and Ecosystems18:42 Fishing Gear, Bycatch and Wider Fisheries Impacts23:18 Key Drivers of Shark Depredation24:16 Shark Diet, Nutrition and Stable Isotope Research26:20 Project Cucut in the Cocos Keeling Islands27:56 Working with Local Fishers and Communities29:06 Electrical Shark Deterrents and Repelex31:06 How Shark Deterrent Technology Works32:32 Testing Shark Deterrents with Local Fishers34:13 Reducing Depredation, Bycatch and Gear Loss38:23 What Comes Next for Shark Depredation Research