Semiannual progress report. Discard mortality of Carcharhinid Sharks in the Florida Commercial Shark Fishery. Report period: 09/01/2013 – 2/28/2014 .

Abstract

The ongoing study is the first to quantify post-release mortality and behavioral effects of capture on sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and blacktip sharks (C. limbatus) caught in the Florida commercial shark fishery through integrating conventional and novel techniques that are revolutionizing the study of post-release mortality in coastal species. We are also investigating the effects of capture stress on blood physiology and comparing physiological parameters with post-release behavioral data to determine whether at-vessel measurements can be used to accurately predict post-release outcomes.