Using stable isotopes analysis to understand ontogenetic trophic variations of the scalloped hammerhead shark at the Galapagos Marine Reserve

PLoS One. 2022 Jun 10;17(6):e0268736. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268736. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Changes in life-history requirements drive trophic variations, particularly in large marine predators. The life history of many shark species is still poorly known and understanding their dietary ontogeny is a challenging task, especially for highly migratory species. Stable isotope analysis has proven as a useful method for examining the foraging strategies of sharks and other marine predators. We assessed the foraging strategies and ontogenetic changes of scalloped hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini, at Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), by analysing δ13C and δ15N signatures in different maturity stages. Our isotopic results suggest ontogenetic shifts in resource use between sub-adult and adult stages, but not between adult and juvenile stages. Carbon isotopic signatures found in the juvenile stage were enriched in contrast to sub-adults (~0.73‰) suggesting a combination of the maternal input and the use of coastal resources around the Galapagos Islands. Adult female sharks also showed enrichment in δ13C (~0.53‰) in comparison to sub-adult stages that suggest feeding in high primary productivity areas, such as the GMR. This study improves the understanding of the trophic ecology and ontogenetic changes of a highly migratory shark that moves across the protected and unprotected waters of the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Ecology / methods
  • Ecosystem
  • Female
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Sharks*

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Isotopes

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the National Geographic Society, Rufford Foundation, Focused on Nature, Ocean 52, Mark E. Wang, Dario Mariani, and Miguel Bosé. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.