Lemon Shark Directed Research | Fall 25 скачать в хорошем качестве

Lemon Shark Directed Research | Fall 25

Our Lemon Shark Directed Research project, led by Stephan Bruns (PI) and Violet Apodaca (lead-WA), investigated juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in South Caicos’ nearshore mangrove and seagrass habitats. Using a multi-gear approach of longlines, BRUVS, and drone transects. The team surveyed three key areas around South Caicos and conducted 11 surveys. In total, 32 juvenile lemon sharks were caught on longlines (with a size range of ~68 cm to 212 cm total length). We recorded sex and length data, and tagged individuals (barb/PIT/roto tags) to support long-term monitoring. We also tested bait selectivity and found captures occurred on fish bait rather than queen conch. Together, these methods help build a baseline understanding of lemon shark abundance, habitat use, and nursery function, all critical information as coastal development and tourism increase pressure on South Caicos’ shallow-water ecosystems.