Mortality rates for two shark species occupying a shared coastal environment

Knip, Danielle M., Heupel, Michelle R., and Simpfendorfer, Colin A. (2012) Mortality rates for two shark species occupying a shared coastal environment. Fisheries Research, 125-126. pp. 184-189.

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Abstract

Mortality plays a crucial role in the dynamics of all shark populations. However, our understanding of mortality and the factors that affect survival in wild populations remains limited, particularly for adult sharks. Long-term acoustic monitoring data were used to estimate mortality rates for juvenile pigeye (Carcharhinus amboinensis) and adult spottail (Carcharhinus sorrah) sharks within the same coastal area. Estimates of mortality were low for both species (C. amboinensis: natural = 0.00–0.05 y−1, fishing = 0.07–0.11 y−1, total = 0.11–0.13 y−1; C. sorrah: natural = 0.05 y−1, fishing = 0.03 y−1, total = 0.08 y−1). There were no significant differences in mortality rates between species (natural: p = 0.972; fishing: p = 0.965; total: p = 0.935), despite the difference in species life stages. All monitored individuals were similar in body size, however, suggesting that size may play a greater role than age in the mortality rates for some shark species. High survivorship indicates that this coastal area provides a low mortality environment for both juvenile C. amboinensis and adult C. sorrah. Low mortality for these species is likely a reflection of low predation risk and sufficient prey resources. This, coupled with marine protected areas, may provide juvenile C. amboinensis and adult C. sorrah with similar opportunities and levels of protection.

Item ID: 22646
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1872-6763
Keywords: survival, mortality, sharks, coastal area, acoustic telemetry
Date Deposited: 01 Aug 2012 09:20
FoR Codes: 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0704 Fisheries Sciences > 070402 Aquatic Ecosystem Studies and Stock Assessment @ 70%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 30%
SEO Codes: 83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8302 Fisheries - Wild Caught > 830202 Wild Caught Crustaceans (excl. Rock Lobster and Prawns) @ 100%
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