Scientists identify new species of shark, name it after Microsoft co-founder

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Scientists in Florida have discovered a new species of hammerhead shark.

The scientists are naming the new species after philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.

According to Cindy Gonzalez from Florida International University (FIU), the species, named Sphyrna alleni, was difficult to identify because of its similarities to the bonnethead shark.

The research team that made the discovery was led by Demian Chapman, who was once an associate professor at FIU.

Chapman is now the director of Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Shark Research.

Hector Martinez, a Belizean fisher, and Isela Martinez, a research assistant, tag a newly... — Hector Martinez, a Belizean fisher, and Isela Martinez, a research assistant, tag a newly identified hammerhead shark species, Sphyrna alleni, named after Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen(Mays Family Foundation)

“DNA analyses provided the first clue that the bonnethead sharks, as we knew them, were at least two species in the Atlantic and not one,” Chapman said. “But DNA alone is not enough to define a species, so we put a team together to look at specimens and see if there were any physical differences as well.”

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation funded this discovery, as Allen was passionate about shark conservation and protecting marine ecosystems.

This discovery was made after COVID disrupted the process by preventing overseas travel.

Since the new species ranges from Belize to Brazil, the discovery would not have been possible without international travel.

“The work to identify and document this new species was truly a community endeavor and involved a team of scientists and Belizean shark fishers,” Gonzalez said.

Chapman said protecting and studying small hammerhead shark species is important because of them being unique to the American continent. He also said they have been extirpated, overfished and misidentified in fisheries.

“Fortunately, Belize has taken proactive steps for shark conservation that may help this species, such as collaborating closely with shark fishing communities to manage shark catches, establishing protected areas, and implementing a nationwide gillnet ban,” he said.