Abstract

Mexican artisanal fisheries contribute to the international sale and consumption of elasmobranch species. While general capture records are known (only separated by small and large shark species), little to no species-specific data has been recorded over the course of the last fifty years, and monitoring efforts only show a glimpse of shorter time periods. This lack of information impedes the use of conventional fisheries analyses, leaving room for innovative ways to use available data. Over the course of an extensive literature review, including scientific papers, official government records, and technical reports, approximate catch proportions of bull sharks was calculated across the six Mexican Atlantic states. For the present study, the use of derived proportions from catch monitoring over the course of 50 years provides information for a historic reconstruction of bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) catches across a host of management changes and fisheries development in Mexico. The historic reconstruction provides a view of shark captures, while punctual fishery indicators for the species will help determine changes and identify trends in population demographics. The observed catch volumes range, on average, between 100 and 400 tons per year among the six states, providing insight into approximate catch trends. Further analyses into the dynamics of shark fisheries in the Mexican Atlantic will detail information that could be potentially useful for the management of this migratory species found in the Gulf of Mexico.

PDF Preview