Shark movements between islands in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and connectivity to other islands in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Lara-Lizardi, F., Ketchum, J. T., Hearn, A. R., Klimley, A. P., Galván-Magaña, F., Antoniou, A., Arauz, R., et al. (2026). PLOS ONE.

This study analyzes acoustic telemetry data from sharks in the Revillagigedo Archipelago to understand how they move between islands and connect with other marine protected areas across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research shows that some individuals travel thousands of kilometers between sites such as Revillagigedo, Clipperton, and the Galápagos. These findings highlight the importance of international collaboration and regional conservation corridors to protect highly migratory shark species.

Shortfalls in the protection of Important Shark and Ray Areas undermine shark conservation efforts in the Central and South American Pacific

Mouton, T. L., Gonzalez-Pestana, A., Rohner, C. A., Charles, R., García-Rodríguez, E., Kyne, P. M., Batlle-Morera, A., et al., Arauz, R. (2025). Marine Policy.

This research evaluates whether Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) in the Eastern Pacific are effectively protected. The authors show that many critical habitats remain outside marine protected areas and are therefore still exposed to fishing pressure and other threats. The paper calls for expanded protection and stronger governance to ensure effective conservation of sharks and rays across the region.

Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets

Sequeira, A. M. M., et al. (2025). Science.

Using one of the largest global animal tracking datasets ever assembled, this study examines how marine megafauna—including sharks, turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals—use ocean space. The research identifies key migratory corridors and important habitats used by multiple species and shows that many of these areas are not yet protected. The results provide guidance for achieving global ocean conservation targets such as protecting 30% of the ocean.

Local ecological knowledge and community perceptions of a nascent arribada beach in Costa Rica

Mejías-Balsalobre, C., Rojas-Canizales, D., Fusté, R., Valverde, R. A., Arauz, R., Naranjo, I., & Barrios-Garrido, H. (2024). Environmental Development.

This study documents the emergence of a new olive ridley sea turtle arribada nesting beach in Corozalito, Costa Rica. Through interviews with local residents, researchers gathered valuable local ecological knowledge about how the nesting phenomenon developed and how it has affected the community. The study highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge and community perspectives into conservation strategies.

Multidecadal underwater surveys reveal declines in marine turtles

Saltzman, J., Hearn, A. R., Fuentes, M. M. P. B., Steiner, T., Arauz, R., Macdonald, C., Heidemeyer, M., & White, E. R. (2024). Conservation Science and Practice.

Using more than two decades of underwater visual survey data from Cocos Island, Costa Rica, this study examines long-term trends in marine turtle populations. The results indicate a decline in turtle sightings over time, emphasizing the importance of monitoring turtle populations in marine habitats as well as nesting beaches. The study highlights the need for continued conservation efforts and ecosystem-based management.

Long-distance dispersal of the endangered Pacific nurse shark in Costa Rica revealed through acoustic telemetry

Madrigal-Mora, S., Chávez, E. J., Arauz, R., Lowe, C. G., & Espinoza, M. (2024). Marine and Freshwater Research.

Using acoustic telemetry, researchers tracked the movement of an endangered Pacific nurse shark along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. One individual traveled more than 390 km in just 46 days, demonstrating that this species may move across much larger areas than previously understood. The findings highlight the importance of regional monitoring and cooperation between research groups to protect mobile marine species.

Scalloped hammerhead shark relative abundance comparison in three offshore marine protected areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Bravo-Ormaza, E., Arauz, R., Bessudo, S., Hearn, A., Klimley, A. P., Ladino-Archila, F., López-Macías, J., Steiner, T., & Peñaherrera-Palma, C. (2023). Environmental Biology of Fishes.

This study compares scalloped hammerhead shark abundance across three major marine protected areas: the Galápagos Islands, Cocos Island, and Malpelo Island. Using underwater survey data, researchers identified seasonal patterns and environmental factors affecting shark aggregations. The findings improve understanding of hammerhead ecology and support regional conservation planning for this critically endangered species.