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Research

Scuba diver documenting the collapse of a Nassau grouper spawning aggregation in The Bahamas.

In discovering colorful corals and powerful sharks at Shedd, you’re connected to their wild counterparts—and the conservation research of Shedd scientists. Scientists from Shedd’s Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research conduct research to better understand wild animals and their habitats, helping us work with partners to build management strategies to protect them.   

Projects

Conservation priorities

  • A sea star found by Shedd researchers in the Bahamas sits on the sandy ocean floor with a plastic chips bag stuck to its rough body.

    Reduce Plastic Pollution

    While performing beach cleanups and reducing our own plastic footprint, we encourage others to reduce dependency on single-use plastics, suggest alternative solutions and champion policies to reduce plastic at the source. 

  • Rainbow trout have a long, stocky bodies and can grow to lengths of 6 to 16 inches.

    Sustain Global Fisheries and Inform Consumer Choice

    We are addressing the challenges of declining fisheries by working with partners to advance sustainable fisheries through science and promote informed management through policy and engagement. 

  • A woman works with a ranger on habitat restoration, planting native plants in Indiana Dunes.

    Revitalize Natural Habitats Altered by Human Impacts

    We are investigating the consequences of human activities such as man-made barriers to fish migrations, invasive species and tourist-related wildlife feeding, while creating solutions that blunt their impacts.

  • Lamprey are snake-like invasive fish with round, suction-cup like mouths that latch on and rasp at their prey with many small, hooked teeth.

    Understand and Restrain Invasive Species

    We embrace the challenges of mitigating threats by invasive species and engage the public to join us through community science and stewardship opportunities that restore habitat and hone best practices.

  • When a Magellanic penguin molts, a new layer of feathers grows in and the old feathers fall off in clumps. The penguins can often be seen itching away at loose patches of feathers during their molts.

    Address Animal Responses to Climate Change

    We are enhancing our understanding of the likely responses of animals to climate change to adjust management programs when appropriate, while also creating and testing innovative mitigation strategies.

  • Two young participants in Shedd's Summer Road Trip look through binoculars at something in the woods.

    Connect People to Nature

    We provide opportunities for people to get their feet wet and hands dirty in a variety of long- and short-term community science opportunities like monitoring fish migrations, restoring local habitats and tagging sharks.

Three people lean over the side of the boat to look at sharks.

Researchers 

Shedd’s scientists work in Chicago and around the world, building our understanding about species and ecosystems in need of protection. 

Meet the Research Team

Scientists on board Shedd's research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, work on samples collected in the Exuma islands, Bahamas.

Publications 

Shedd’s commitment to conservation and research has spurred the publication of dozens of studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Explore Shedd’s publications