James is the director of the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES).
Sulikowski joins COMES from Arizona State University, where his former roles included the Associate Director in the School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences and Director of the Interdisciplinary Blue Science Laboratory. Before his leadership there, he held several high-profile positions at the University of Florida and the University of New England. He served on both the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fisheries Management Councils. A renowned expert in sharks with deep experience in commercial fisheries and marine science, Sulikowski brings more than 25 years of interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial administrative leadership to COMES. His work has appeared on numerous national television shows, including Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” NBC’s “Today Show,” National Geographic “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin,” and the BBC series “Rise of Animals.”
Follow his lab's work on INSTAGRAM
Check out our WEBINAR
Make sure to catch James on Shark Week's MotherSharker: Hammertime
James doing an ultrasound on a tiger shark credit: Lennart Voßgätter
1. What is your favorite shark, and why?
The porbeagle is basically a mako and white shark smooshed together. Power, speed, great hunter, and able to withstand the cold waters of New England
Porbeagle shark Credit: James Sulikowski
2. If you could see/study/swim with any shark, what would it be and why?
I have been so lucky to swim and study so many shark species already. But my top three I have been able to swim with and study are the whale shark, tiger shark and great hammerhead. All are unique in their own way, from their size, mode of reproduction, body shape, and public perception.
3. Can you tell us a little about your current research?
Right now, our focus is on the concept of “sharks as moms.” Here, we are really interested in discovering where shark moms travel. Specifically, what are their migration corridors, habitat preferences for gestation, and where they give birth.
James doing an ultrasound on a great hammerhead Credit: Screenshot from footage shot by Duncan Brake
4. What inspired you to study sharks?
I started working with skates and stingrays early in my career (I still have a soft spot for these elasmobranchs). The techniques we were developing and using on batoids were needed on sharks, so it was natural to switched to the “shark side” of cartilaginous fish.
5. What advice do you have for students interested in a career in marine science/shark science?
My advice would be : 1) Get involved early in any type of research to see if you really like that type of involvement/experience (I studied algae in college); 2) Find a supportive group that also challenges you to be the best you can be; and 3) Your path will not be linear, keep moving forward using each life experience to help you get to your eventual goal.
Comments