MOREHEAD, N.C. — The coastal waters of North Carolina are home to a variety of shark species, which can only be caught under strict rules and regulations.

In fact, researchers across the state are working to see what shark meat is being sold in North Carolina, tracking population and migration, and conservation efforts for sharks. They are learning more about their genetic immunity along the way.

“I always wanted to protect the ocean. And sharks are really important for the ocean,” Dr. Chelsea Black said. “I kind of thought to maximize my impact on ocean ecosystems, starting with sharks would be a good point.”

In the tossing waves of the ocean, is where she feels most at home.

Black is a research fellow with UNC in Morehead and has been working with sharks for about a decade.

She

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