Center for Shark Research (CSR) at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1993-1995. Final report.

Abstract

This report describes activities performed by the Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory from August 1, 1993 to August 31, 1995. The project includes shark field research primarily in coastal Florida waters, but also includes Mexican coastal waters, off the Gulf of Mexico. It involves fishery surveys and biological studies of the nursery areas and early life history of coastal shark species. All sharks and bycatch were documented and live sharks generally were tagged and released. The results of the surveys are summarized. A variety of laboratory studies were conducted utilizing specimens collected during the field surveys and from other resources. The studies and their primary results include testing of shark tag retention, anti-fouling characteristics, and effects on the health of small sharks in captivity; analytical studies of shark population dynamics, food habits and feeding mechanism, reproductive biology, and environmental biology; establishment of shark aging and growth laboratory at the CSR; and collaborations with other shark researchers and students. The results of the scientific research were disseminated to the public via the creation of two primary types of printed materials. A research and training exchange program and workshop activities are described.