BTSNP Tags and Array- Natal philopatry in blacktip sharks

The blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is an economically important species, the dominant species in the directed large coastal shark fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Nursery areas along the Gulf coast of Florida represent essential habitat for young-of-the-year and juvenile animals. In Terra Ceia Bay, pups are born in May through July each year.

They show strong site fidelity to the northeast end of the bay during the first few months of life, then depart the nursery in fall, migrating to areas as far south as Florida Bay. Based on recaptures of conventionally-tagged animals, at least some of these animals return to Terra Ceia Bay the following spring. This project aims to further refine our understanding of long-term patterns of nursery habitat use in this species through acoustic telemetry.

Specifically, it seeks to: 1) determine the degree of philopatry to this nursery area and 2) determine if this behavior is consistent across different nursery areas by examining patterns of habitat usage in a newly discovered nursery area in nearby Sarasota Bay.