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Validated age and growth estimates for Carcharhinus obscurus in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, with pre- and post management growth comparisons

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Abstract

Age and growth estimates for the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus, were derived from vertebral centra collected in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Sample collection spanned the years prior to and following the implementation of management measures (1963–2010). Growth was compared pre- and post- population depletion and pre- and post- management to investigate the possibility of density-mediated shifts in age and growth parameters over time. There was no evidence of difference between periods for either sex. Additionally, bomb radiocarbon dating was used to determine the periodicity of band pair formation. Results support the traditional interpretation of annual band pairs up to approximately 11 years of age. After this time, vertebral counts considerably underestimate true age. Maximum validated ages were estimated to be between 38 and 42 years of age (an increase of 15 to 19 years over the band count estimates), confirming longevity to at least 42 years of age. Growth curves estimated using only validated data were compared to those generated using band pair counts. Logistic growth parameters derived from validated vertebral length-at-age data were L ∞  = 261.5 cm FL, L o  = 85.5 cm, t o  = 4.89 year and g = 0.15 year−1 for the sexes combined. Revised estimates of age at maturity were 17.4 years for males and 17.6 years for females.

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Notes

  1. Reference to Trade Names does not imply endorsement by NMFS.

  2. J. Romine 2013 Pers. Comm. 5501-A Cook-Underwood Road, Cook, WA 98605-9717

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the commercial and recreational fishermen who allowed us to sample their catches and all the scientists and observers, past and present, who obtained samples. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Apex Predators Program staff. Jason Romine was very kind to spend time regenerating data to improve our age at maturity estimates. Allen Andrews and Simon Thorrold were excellent sounding boards for the bomb carbon analyses. In particular, we would like to thank Rich McBride; without his assistance we would not have obtained the initial funding for the bomb carbon work. He also provided valuable comments to our draft. This research was done consistent with applicable law.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDOC/NOAA/NMFS, 28 Tarzwell Dr., Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA

    Lisa J. Natanson & Brian J. Gervelis

  2. USDOC/NOAA/NMFS, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA

    Megan V. Winton

  3. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Research Facility 235, MS#50, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA

    Li Ling Hamady

  4. USDOC/NOAA/NMFS, 3500 Delwood Beach Road, Panama City, FL, 32408, USA

    Simon J. B. Gulak & John K. Carlson

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  1. Lisa J. Natanson
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Correspondence to Lisa J. Natanson.

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Natanson, L.J., Gervelis, B.J., Winton, M.V. et al. Validated age and growth estimates for Carcharhinus obscurus in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, with pre- and post management growth comparisons. Environ Biol Fish 97, 881–896 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-013-0189-4

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