Dr. Kesley Banks of the Harte Research Institute joins the program to discuss one of the ocean’s most remarkable predators — the mako shark, widely considered the fastest shark in the sea. Through cutting-edge tagging technology and marine research, Dr. Banks shares new insights into the movements, behavior, and hidden lives of these powerful apex predators.
In this episode, we explore how shark tagging is helping scientists unlock long-standing mysteries surrounding mako migration, feeding habits, habitat use, and interactions within the marine ecosystem. Dr. Banks explains how researchers track sharks across vast stretches of ocean and why understanding these movements is critical for conservation and fisheries management.
The conversation also dives into the importance of protecting highly migratory shark species, the challenges facing shark populations worldwide, and how advances in marine science are reshaping what we know about life beneath the surface. From incredible burst speeds to mysterious deep-water behavior, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the ocean’s most iconic and elusive sharks.