MATOS - Mid-Atlantic Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

Project Title: This study focuses on sandbar sharks in North West Atlantic waters.

MATOS Project Code: ASISANDBAR

Data Type: Data

Project Duration: June 2023 - June 2030

Project Description: The sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a prohibited species in the northwest Atlantic and globally endangered according to the IUCN. Populations are declining worldwide and the species is overfished in the U.S., with a rebuilding plan extending to 2070. Its slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive output make recovery challenging, which led to U.S. protections in 2009 prohibiting landing or targeting the species. Despite this, important gaps remain regarding population size, migration, and ecology. This study uses tagging, tissue sampling, blood sampling, and modeling to generate updated data on movement, genetics, population structure, and health. Led by PhD candidate Emily Spurgeon with Florida International University, the Atlantic Shark Institute, and Saving the Blue the project began in 2023 and will run through 2030 to support conservation and management of this vulnerable shark.

Principal Investigator:	Emily Spurgeon (FIU) (Atlantic Shark Institute)
Email:	Jonfdodd@gmail.com

Point of Contact:	Jon Dodd
Email:	jonfdodd@gmail.com

Collaborators:

Kimberly Lavoie (Atlantic Shark Institute)
Dr. Tristan Guttridge (Saving the Blue)
Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou (FIU)
Emily Spurgeon (FIU)

Participating Organizations:

Atlantic Shark Institute
Saving the Blue
Florida International University

External URL: www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org

ASI - Sandbar Shark Study