A Study of More than 3,000 Sharks has Identified The Most Common South Florida Species
According to a recent baseline census of sharks in Florida, the most common shark in Floridian waters is the nurse shark. The census included catching, tagging, and releasing 3,398 different sharks from the area and identified 15 different species. Other sharks identified in the study included 650 black reef sharks, 314 lemon sharks, and 253 bull sharks. The purpose of this study was to determine the number and species of sharks that are commonly found in Florida’s waters, where they are and at what time of year. Recent overfishing and shark bycatch has resulted in large drops in shark populations throughout the world, so determining current population and species estimates is important in tracking changes in population.
The study, the first of its kind done in the Florida area, also found two other species of shark known for causing shark bites aside from bull sharks, including 100 tiger sharks and a single, 11.5 foot great white. Although bull sharks appear to be the fourth most abundant shark species and are responsible for 18% of all known shark attacks, this translates to a very small number of shark bites and they generally are uninterested in humans as prey. In 2020, there were only 16 shark bites in Florida, of any species.
These findings within the population suggest that overfishing and accidental bycatch as well as certain sharks are caught by people who are fishing for sport fish such as markin, and Mahi Mahi. The survey had also found about 100 tiger sharks and a single 11 and a half foot great white shark.
To read the full article and learn more about the study, click here.
