NOAA/NMFS QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT. C. Project Title: Center for Shark Research (CSR) at Mote Marine Laboratory,

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1 NOAA/NMFS QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT A. Grant Number: NA77FM0281 B. Grantee: Mote Marine Laboratory C. Project Title: Center for Shark Research (CSR) at Mote Marine Laboratory, D. Amount of Grant: Federal $ 150,000 Match $ 16,667 Total $ 166,667 E. Award Period: From June 1, 1997 to May 31, 1998 F. Quarter Covered by this Report: April 1, 1998 to May 31, 1998 G. Summary of Progress and Expenditures to Date: 1. Work Accomplishments: a. Tasks scheduled for this period were: 1) southwest Florida field research; 2) tagging database maintenance and analysis; 3) laboratory studies; 4) scientific manuscript writing; and 5) public information program. b. All of the above tasks were completed as scheduled during the quarter: 1) Field research on shark nursery areas of the southwest Florida coast was very limited during this final two-month period of the project. Only three gillnet surveys were conducted in the Charlotte Harbor area on 17 May, primarily to detect the presence of neonate blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) sharks in this nursery area. The enclosed tables show the collection of neonate female and male blacktips as well as male bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo). Bycatch during these surveys is also shown in the accompanying tables. 2) Tag recaptures reported during the period are shown in the final table. Four recaptures were reported, one on a bonnethead shark and three from blacknose sharks (C. acronotus). The blacknose sharks were recaptured on two- or three-year cycles relatively close to the tagging sites, continuing to support a homing hypothesis for these sharks (although the distances of 9 and 27 nm away from the tagging site are not as close as other previous recaptures of this species). 3) Laboratory studies of shark biology were advanced during the quarter with investigations of shark physiology. Monthly serum samples were collected from captive bonnethead sharks as a part of an ongoing study of the effects of stress and captivity on the reproductive and stress hormones of that species. In addition, a study was continued to determine if an aromatase inhibitor would be effective in reducing serum estradiol concentrations in mature female bonnethead sharks. To advance both laboratory and field activities of the CSR, Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) approved the creation of two new postdoctoral scientist positions, one for behavioral ecology and population biology, and the 1

2 other for physiological studies (to be split with the MML Biomedical Research Program). A search was finished during the quarter for qualified candidates for these two new CSR positions funded by MML. The positions will be filled in fall 1998 by Dr. Michelle Heupel (behavioral ecology) and Dr. James Gelsleichter (physiology). 4) Progress on CSR publications during the period included: completion of a special issue of Fisheries Research entitled Science and Management of Shark Fisheries (R. Hueter, ed.); a manuscript finalized with co-authors from the University of Wisconsin and Cornell University on shark vision; and preparation for an invited paper at the annual meeting of the American Elasmobranch Society, to be held in Ontario in July CSR staff also were involved during the quarter in reviewing a number of scientific manuscripts and proposals. In addition to these publication activities, Dr. Hueter of the CSR contributed scientific expertise by serving as a member of the NMFS Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) at the panel s fourth meeting in Islip, NY during the quarter. CSR data and other information was provided to NMFS for the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) program required by new Magnuson-Stevens Act legislation. 5) The CSR public information program continued during the quarter with the dissemination of scientific information about sharks to the public, including the distribution of shark Facts & Stats fact sheets and other printed and electronic materials. Several interviews dealing with shark biology were given by CSR staff to print and broadcast media during the quarter. c. No special problems of note affecting project activities were experienced during the period. 2. Expenditures: a. A total of approximately $16,667 in project costs was scheduled for this period. b. Actual expenditures during the period were $20,466 (charges accounted for as of 6/25/98). c. No special problems of note affecting project expenditures were experienced during the period. Prepared and Approved by: Robert E. Hueter, Ph.D. Principal Investigator Director, MML Center for Shark Research 2

3 csrlocq5 GILL NET SETS DURING PROJECT FIFTH QUARTER Sample# MO Da Yr Gear Location Mesh size Latitude Longitude Tide Sea condition salinity Water temp. Bottom Min. depth Max. depth 2064 GN C8-PI N W In Calm Mud/grass GN C8-PI-O N W out Calm Mud/grass N W In Calm 28.1 Mud/grass 6 8

4 csrshq Carcharhinus limbatus M Carcharhinus limbatus M Sphyrna tiburo M Sphyrna tiburo M I Sphyrna tiburo M Sphyrna tiburo M Sphyrna tiburo M

5 csrshql 2066 Sphyrna tiburo M / Sphyrna tiburo M Sphyrna tiburo M / csrbycq5 BYCATCH CAPTURED DURING

6 csrrcpql SHARKS RECAPTURED DURING PROJECT FIFTH QUARTER TAG # RECAP DATE ANGLER SCIENTIFIC NAME RECAP LOCATION DATE TAGGED DISTANCE MOVED (NM) TIME AT LARGE (d) 417 5/16/98 David Guzman, Bradenton Carcharhinus acronotus T2--1nmW of Longboat Pass 6/29/ /1l/98 Tom Chaya, Anna Maria Carcharhinus acronotus TS-lmi W of Manatee R. mouth 6/27/ /20/98 Melvin Stott, Placida Sphyrna tiburo C3-Marker12, Devilfish Key 6/4/ /29/98 Allen Kulisz. Lithia. FL Carcharhinus acronotus T6-Markerl2B. N of Pt. Manatee 6/l5/ TOTAL BYCATCH BY SPECIES Common name N Catfish. Gafftopsail 1 Filefish, Orange Flounder, Gulf Mackerel, Spanish 3 Menhaden. Yellowfin 1 Pompano 1 Ray, Spotted Eagle 1