Abstract - This project involves field research and laboratory genetic analysis of the lemon shark, (Negaprion brevirostris). Three lemon shark nurseries will be extensively sampled and monitored to provide long-term data regarding the reproductive patterns and use of nurseries by this large coastal species and provide information regarding patterns of gene flow and stock structure of lemon sharks at larger spatial scales. The results provided by this project will be important in the management of shark fisheries and ultimately in the survival of this heavily impacted group of vertebrates. The project is highly relevant to the NOAA strategic goals of building sustainable fisheries by increasing our understanding of the role of nurseries for successful recruitment of coastal shark species and by providing data on life history parameters (fecundity, reproductive cycles, growth rates) critical for successful management plans. The project is also relevant to the Foundation's strategic goal to conserve protected species. The 1993 NOAA/NMFS management plan gives protected status to 39 shark species, including the lemon shark, and the data provided by this study will be critical for developing stock rebuilding plans for this and other shark species

Publications

Feldheim, K.A., Gruber, S. H. and M. V. Ashley. 2004.
Reconstruction of Parental Microsattelite Genotypes Reveals Female Polyandry and Philopatry in the Lemon Shark. Evolution, 58 (10), 2004, pp. 2332-2342.

Feldheim, K.A., Gruber, S. H. and M. V. Ashley. 2002. The Breeding Biology of lemon sharks at a Tropical Nursery Lagoon. Proceedings of the Royal Society (London) B 269 (1501): 1655-1661.

Feldheim, K.A., Gruber, S. H., deMarignac J. R. and M. V. Ashley. 2002. Genetic tagging to determine passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag loss in lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris (Poey). J. Fish Biology 61: 1309-1313

< Back to Research List