Demian D. Chapman Assistant Professor Assistant Science Director, IOCS Ph.D., 2007, Nova Southeastern University E-mail: Demian.Chapman@stonybrook.edu Molecular ecology, conservation, elasmobranch (sharks, batoids) biology, acoustic and satellite telemetry, marine reserve design, evolution of vertebrate mating systems and mate choice, wildlife forensics Institute for Ocean Conservation Science

Research Interests

My research combines DNA-analysis with ecological data to better understand the population biology, evolution and ecology of large marine vertebrates, particularly sharks and their relatives. Projects are designed to address interesting biological questions and pressing conservation issues.

One focus of my research is to better understand how neutral and adaptive genetic variation within marine fish species is partitioned across the seascape. I am especially interested in understanding the behavioral processes underpinning genetic population structure, in particular the role of natal philopatry (when individuals remain close to or return to their birthplace) in potentially highly mobile fish. This type of research is also useful for delineating management units and for sourcing fisheries products in trade back to their geographic area of origin.

DNA-analysis is very useful for elucidating the reproductive biology of species that are not amenable to sustained field observation. I am currently using DNA-analysis to better understand the evolution of mating systems and mate choice in a variety of sharks and their relatives. I am especially interested in the role of the genes of the immune system in mate choice decisions by sharks, since they are the oldest lineage to have evolved the same immune system genetic architecture that humans have. As part of my ongoing genetic evaluation of shark reproduction, I recently discovered that female sharks can reproduce without sex (parthenogenesis or “virgin birth”). This finding was reported in over 1100 media venues worldwide.

My laboratory also employs molecular tools for wildlife forensics applications, with a particular focus on sharks, sawfishes and marine fish that are exploited off Long Island (e.g. sturgeon, skates). As an example of this type of research, for my M.S. degree I developed a genetic test that could identify tissues from the great white shark. I used this test to reveal illegal trade in great white shark fins in the U.S., which supported a successful proposal to list this species on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Outside of the laboratory I use acoustic and satellite telemetry to better understand the movements of sharks and other large fish in relation to protected areas (e.g. marine reserves) and potential threats. I am currently involved in tracking projects in Belize (Caribbean reef and nurse sharks), New Zealand (great white sharks), the Bahamas (lemon sharks) and along the U.S. eastern seaboard from Long Island to Florida (e.g. lemon sharks, bull sharks, great hammerhead sharks). This research is useful for defining essential fish habitat, for revealing migratory patterns and for designing marine reserves that will more effectively contribute to the conservation of top predators in marine ecosystems. My research and outreach efforts in this area have recently contributed to the establishment of a marine reserve in the Bahamas and improvements to marine reserves in Belize.

Publications

Feldheim, K.A., Chapman, D.D., Sweet, D., Fitzpatrick, S., Prodohl, P.A., Shivji, M.S., Snowden, B. 2010. Shark virgin birth produces multiple, viable offspring. Journal of Heredity doi:10.1093/jhered/esp129.

Feldheim, K.A., Chapman, D.D. et al. 2010. Genetic markers to support conservation of the endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata: rapid forensic identification, sawfish DNA-barcodes, and polymorphic microsatellites. Conservation Genetics Resources. doi:10.1007/s12686-010-9175-8.

Chapman, D.D., et al. 2009. Natal site-fidelity in immature lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris, at a subtropical island. Molecular Ecology 18(16): 3500-3507 (with cover).

Chapman, D.D., Pinhal, D., Shivji, M.S. 2009. Genetic stock identification in endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini. Endangered Species Research doi: 10.3354/esr00241.

Chapman, D.D., B. Firchau, M.S. Shivji. 2008. Parthenogenesis in a large-bodied requiem shark (family Carcharhinidae). Journal of Fish Biology 73:1473-1477.

Chapman, D.D., M. S. Shivji, E. Louis, J. Sommer, H. Fletcher and P.A. Prodöhl. 2007. Virgin birth in a hammerhead shark. Biology Letters 3(4): 425-427.

Chapman, D.D., E.K. Pikitch, E.A. Babcock and M.S. Shivji. 2007. Deep-diving and diel changes in vertical habitat use by Caribbean reef sharks, Carcharhinus perezi. Marine Ecology Progress Series 344: 271–275.

Feldheim, K.A., A.J. Stow, H. Ahonen, D.D. Chapman, M.S. Shivji, V. Peddemors and S. Wintner. 2007. Polymorphic microsatellite markers for studies of the conservation and reproductive genetics of imperiled sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus). Molecular Ecology Notes 7(6): 1366-1368.

Garla, R.C., D.D. Chapman, B.M. Wetherbee and M.S. Shivji. 2006. Movement patterns of young Caribbean reef sharks, Carcharhinus perezi, at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil: the potential of marine protected areas for conservation of a nursery ground. Marine Biology 149: 189-199.

Garla, R.C., D.D. Chapman, B.M. Wetherbee, M.S. Shivji and A.F. Amorim. 2006. Habitat of juvenile Caribbean reef sharks, Carcharhinus perezi, at two oceanic insular Marine Protected Areas in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean: Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Atol das Rocas, Brazil. Fisheries Research 81: 236-247.

Chapman, D. D., E.K. Pikitch and E.A. Babcock. 2006. Marine Parks Need Sharks? Science 312: 526-527.

Shivji, M.S., D.D. Chapman, E.K. Pikitch and P.W. Raymond. 2005. Genetic profiling reveals illegal international trade in fins of the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias. Conservation Genetics 6: 1035-1039.

Pikitch, E. K., D.D. Chapman, E. A. Babcock and M. S. Shivji. 2005. Habitat use and demographic population structure of elasmobranchs at a Caribbean atoll (Glover’s Reef, Belize). Marine Ecology Progress Series 302:187-197.

Chapman, D.D., E.K. Pikitch, E. Babcock and M. Shivji. 2005. Marine reserve design and evaluation using automated acoustic telemetry: a case-study involving coral reef-associated sharks in the Mesoamerican Caribbean. Marine Technology Society Journal 39: 42-53.

Chapman, D.D., P.A. Prodöhl, J. Gelsleichter, C.A. Manire and M.S. Shivji. 2004. Predominance of genetic monogamy by females in a hammerhead shark, Sphyrna tiburo: Implications for shark conservation. Molecular Ecology 13: 1965-1974.

Chapman, D.D., M.J. Corcoran, G.M. Harvey, S. Malan and M.S. Shivji. 2003. Mating behavior of southern stingrays, Dasyatis americana (Dasyatidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 68: 241-245.

Chapman, D.D., D.L. Abercrombie, E.K. Pikitch, C. Doudy, M. Stanhope and M.S. Shivji. 2003. A streamlined, bi-organelle, multiplex PCR approach to species identification: global conservation and trade monitoring for the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias. Conservation Genetics 4: 415-425.

Chapman D.D. and S.H. Gruber. 2002. A further observation of the prey-handling behavior of the great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran: predation upon a spotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari. Bulletin of Marine Science 70(3): 947-952.