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As ocean temperatures continue to rise, researchers are seeing major changes in the migration patterns of blacktip sharks, and that could mean more encounters between sharks and humans along North America’s east coast.
A recent CNN feature highlighted groundbreaking research led by Stephen Kajiura of Florida Atlantic University, whose team is tracking blacktip sharks using GPS tags and onboard cameras to better understand how warming waters are reshaping marine ecosystems.
According to Kajiura, average winter water temperatures have risen by roughly 1°C over the past decade, causing blacktip sharks to shorten their traditional southern migration and remain farther north for longer periods. That shift is increasing shark activity near heavily populated beaches, including Florida’s New Smyrna Beach — often referred to as the “shark bite capital of the world” — and even farther north into areas like Long Island, where shark encounters have historically been rare.
Stephen Kajiura is a Professor of Biological Sciences at FAU. He studies the sensory biology and behavior of sharks and their relatives as well as their seasonal migrations in southeast Florida. View his profile The research is helping scientists better predict when and where sharks are likely to gather near shorelines. Kajiura notes that blacktip sharks often hunt in the same shallow waters used by surfers and swimmers, where reflective movement from hands or feet can sometimes resemble bait fish. While shark bites remain uncommon, understanding migration behavior is becoming increasingly important for public safety, beach management, and climate research.
Journalists covering climate change, marine biology, shark migration, or beach safety can connect with Stephen Kajiura to discuss how warming oceans are changing shark behavior and what coastal communities should expect in the years ahead.
As tensions surrounding Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East intensifies and the risk of regional escalation grows, Robert G. Rabil, Ph.D., professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University, stands out as one of the most authoritative voices journalists can turn to for clear, strategic analysis.
A nationally recognized scholar of Middle Eastern politics, political Islam, terrorism and U.S. foreign policy, Rabil brings decades of research, regional expertise and media experience to breaking developments. He does not simply react to headline, he explains the historical forces, ideological movements and geopolitical calculations driving them.
At a time when the conflict’s implications stretch far beyond Iran’s borders, affecting Israel, Gulf states, global energy markets and U.S. national security, Rabil provides critical context on both state and non-state actors shaping events on the ground.
Robert Rabil, Ph.D., professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University, is a leading authority on Middle Eastern politics, security, and U.S.–Middle East relations. View his profile Recent media coverage: WINK: Dr. Robert Rabil, a political science professor at Florida Atlantic University, said the attack marks one of the most significant escalations in regional conflict in years. "I would say now the joint attack today is one of the very few, if not the only, as a matter of fact, attack on a country in the Middle East," said Rabil. "And today, as we have seen, I believe that the President has taken the final decision, and he said, Listen, it's about time, mainly, either to change the regime or produce a change within the regime.” ABC News: “What the president has done recently, what he did with Maduro, and the assassination of Soleimani — all of that changes the regime’s behavior,” Rabil said. Rabil said if Iran’s government were to collapse or dramatically change, cooperation with Western nations, including the United States, could resume, especially if Iranians pursue a democratic alternative. The Jerusalem Post Op-Ed - The writer is a professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University. He served as chief of emergency of the Red Cross in East Beirut during Lebanon’s civil war. CNN Robert G. Rabil, Special to CNN Rabil offers measured, informed analysis rooted in decades of scholarship and policy study and can help with key story angles such as:
• Iran’s Regime Stability and Internal Pressures How domestic dissent, economic strain and political factions inside Iran influence wartime decision-making.
• U.S.–Iran Strategic Calculus What options Washington realistically has, historical precedents shaping current policy, and risks of escalation or miscalculation.
• Israel and Regional Security Dynamics How Israel, Saudi Arabia and Gulf states are responding — and whether a broader regional war is possible.
• Proxy Warfare and Militant Networks The role of Hezbollah, Hamas and other non-state actors in expanding or containing the conflict.
• Iran’s Nuclear Program How the conflict affects nuclear negotiations, deterrence strategy and global security concerns.
• Energy Markets and Global Economic Fallout Implications for oil prices, shipping lanes and international economic stability.
• Long-Term Regional Realignment Whether this conflict accelerates a reshaping of alliances in the Middle East.
Tourism is a cornerstone of both Florida’s and America’s economy. In Florida alone, visitor spending exceeds $100 billion annually and supports roughly one in every ten jobs statewide, making it one of the state’s largest industries.
The ripple effect extends far beyond hotels and attractions, fueling restaurants, retail, transportation, construction, real estate, and public tax revenues that help fund infrastructure and services. Nationally, tourism contributes hundreds of billions to U.S. GDP each year and serves as a key indicator of consumer confidence and economic momentum. When travel demand rises or falls, it signals broader shifts in spending behavior, business investment, and workforce stability , which is why tourism remains a critical economic beat for journalists.
Peter Ricci is Clinical Associate Professor & Director, Hospitality Management Programs at Florida Atlantic University. He is a hospitality industry veteran with over 20 years of managerial experience in segments including: food service, lodging, incentive travel, and destination marketing and is considered an expert in food service, lodging, incentive travel, and destination marketing. View his profile Peter offers research-based insight into visitor trends, workforce dynamics, and destination strategy. His expertise helps media connect travel patterns to economic impact, providing clear analysis of how tourism shapes Florida’s economy and influences broader industry trends across the United States.
Recent media coverage: South Florida Sun Sentinel Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, cited the openings of the 801-room Omni Hotel next to the county convention center in Fort Lauderdale, the revamped Pier Sixty-Six Resort nearby and a variety of high-profile events as reasons for promising visitor traffic this year. “South Florida should expect to have a relatively strong 2026 with major events in the area [PGA Tournament, Formula 1, et al] and the Southern White House of Mar-a-Lago enhancing higher average daily rates in The Palm Beaches,” he said by email. “Broward is perfectly positioned to capture demand both to its south and north and I expect that hotels and restaurants will have a good year ahead,” he added. Newsweek "The tariffs, staffing shortage, perception of it being difficult to emigrate to the USA, and any possible anti-USA sentiment all go into the 'ingredients of the soup' as I call it," Peter Ricci, Director of Florida Atlantic University's Hospitality and Tourism program, told Newsweek. South Florida Sun Sentinel This is actually a complicated process behind the scenes, said Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. “Restaurant profit margins are slim, so training and development are often not a part of the process,” he said. “Also, one must recognize that restaurant front-of-house roles are somewhat high-turnover compared to other industries. With higher turnover, there is less likelihood for development of training, knowledge of all the systems (which can lead to dissatisfaction among guests), and a ‘new face’ every time regular guests return to the venue.” The Daytona Beach News-Journal When asked if Florida is experiencing a "restaurant apocalypse," Ricci said, "I don't see that as the case. I don't see it like a disaster, but I have seen more (restaurant) closures the past six months. The reasons include operating costs that are higher than ever in an industry with low (profit) margins to begin with." "Closures are being driven by rising rent, rising costs of labor, rising costs of goods (food, glassware, supplies, cleaning services, deep cleaning surcharges, et al.), and changing consumer habits." Orlando Sentinel Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and management program at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, said he has not heard of hoteliers suddenly losing foreign nationals from their staff. But it’s the confusion that is perplexing many. “I hear frustration and confusion of what changes will occur on a regular basis for owners, operators and managers,” Ricci said. “It’s more of the unknown that’s disconcerting than, ‘I’m now worried about losing workers in my hotel or restaurant.’”
