Assessing survival rates of discarded sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) and dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus)

Abstract

Discarded sharks are released alive, although the fate of these shark’s post-release is widely unknown. Species-specific post-release survival studies are lacking and inhibit a full understanding of the effects on the population. Through an integrated approach of post-capture and post-release survival indicators across various fishing methods, survival of four species of shark were assessed. Results showed 100% of tiger, sandbar, and Port Jackson sharks and 75% of dusky sharks survived the capture and release process.