NMFS Apex Predators Program:
An Overview of Large Pelagic Shark Research in the North Atlantic
Lisa Natanson, Ph.D.
Narragansett Laboratory, NOAA Fisheries
Since 1962, researchers in the National Marine Fisheries Service Apex Predators Program (NMFS-APP) have been studying the distribution, movements, migrations and life histories of Atlantic sharks. The APP's Cooperative Shark Tagging Program includes volunteer taggers from the scientific, commercial and recreational sectors who in the past 46 years have combined to tag and recapture over 200,000 and 12,000 sharks, respectively. The mark/recapture database has contributed significantly to our knowledge of the movements and migrations of Atlantic sharks and when analyzed in conjunction with acoustic tracking and new technology tags (archival, PSAT and SPOT), more finescale information can be discerned. Additionally, life history work such as age and growth, reproduction and food habits combine to give a comprehensive picture of the life of these species. A review of the APP detailing results of this research and highlighting a comprehensive study of the porbeagle ( Lamna nasus ) will be presented.
- Visit the Apex Predator website
