Physiological stress response and post-release mortality of male Atlantic sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) following catch-and-release fishing in the southeastern USA

Abstract Recreational catch-and-release fishing is a common practice and is often described as an important conservation management strategy. However, despite fishes being released alive, the physiological stress caused by angling can induce negative acute and/or chronic effects, which can potentially lead to post-release mortality (PRM). Understanding and quantifying these impacts is imperative if catch-and-release fishing is to be used as an effective conservation tool. Atlantic sharpnose sharks ( Rhizoprionodon terraenovae ) are subject to the highest recreational catch totals of any elasmobranch in the western North Atlantic Ocean. However, the impacts of this fishery on the population of the species are not entirely understood. To address this research need, our study investigated the physiological stress response and PRM of Atlantic sharpnose sharks following rod-and-reel fishing. Alterations in blood chemistry, such as pH and lactate, consistent with capture-induced stress were documented. Additionally, temperature, depth, and light intensity profiles collected by PSATLIFE tags indicated the rate of PRM for Atlantic sharpnose sharks to be 7.4% (2.1%–23.4%, 95% binomial confidence interval). This relatively high survivorship suggests the species is resilient to catch-and-release fishing. Our study provides the first PRM rate estimates for Atlantic sharpnose sharks in the southeastern US recreational fishery.