Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7173-2725
Advisor
Drymon, James
Committee Member
Allen, Peter
Committee Member
Carlson, John
Date of Degree
5-15-2026
Original embargo terms
Embargo 1 year
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Abstract
The Blacknose Shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) is a small coastal species vulnerable to bycatch in the Gulf of America (GoA), where its stock status is uncertain. This study examined size and age at maturity and temporal shifts in growth using samples collected from the northern GoA between 1992 and 2025 (n = 259). Males matured at 85.6 cm fork length (FL) and 4.6 years, while females matured at 82.9 cm FL and 3.3 years. Growth estimates from the 3-parameter von Bertalanffy growth model revealed distinct shifts over time. Growth coefficients rose from 0.26 yr⁻¹ in the 1990s to 0.51 yr⁻¹ in recent years, while asymptotic size declined from 105.8 to 95.1 cm FL. These patterns indicate faster growth to smaller sizes, consistent with density-dependent responses following exploitation. These updated data aid in understanding GoA Blacknose Shark population dynamics and informing effective management.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Alena Q., "Age, growth, and maturity of Blacknose Sharks, Carcharhinus acronotus, in the northern Gulf" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 6861.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6861
