Bycatch and catch-release mortality of small sharks and associated fishes in the estuarine nursery grounds of Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Final report.

Abstract

The primary objectives of this project were to assess the importance of Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor/Pine Island Sound as shark nursery grounds; survey these estuaries for bycatch of small sharks, teleosts, and other vertebrates in inshore fisheries; assess the potential impact of shark bycatch mortality in these nursery grounds; and conduct basic biological studies of shark distribution, migration, feeding, and reproduction in these inshore areas. To accomplish these objectives, bycatch surveys were conducted and a tagging program took place.