Characteristics and species composition of a small-scale shark fishery in Puerto Rico: Jurisdictional issues enable legal landings of prohibited and endangered species

Abstract

Shark fishing is increasingly regulated in the Caribbean region. We present new information on the characteristics, landings, species composition, and size composition of the shark fishery of Puerto Rico, a U.S. Caribbean territory, and discuss current regulatory issues. Sharks are mainly landed in a small-scale targeted fishery operating in territory jurisdiction (coast to 17 km) that supplies local demand for inexpensive fish. There are at least 16 species caught: a small number of large Tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) sharks and many small but adult Sharpnose sharks (Rhizopriodon spp.) accounted for >80% of landed weight. The catch of Sharpnose sharks was significantly skewed to males. Juvenile Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) were the second-most caught species but accounted for a small proportion of the landed weight and value given their small size. Differences between territory and U.S. federal regulations (17 km-370 km jurisdiction) leads to legal territory landings of federally prohibited species, especially Scalloped Hammerhead sharks, which might undermine the conservation potential of federal regulations. Scalloped Hammerhead sharks are also listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) making ongoing catches more problematic from a legal perspective. Scalloped Hammerhead shark catch reduction could have minimal livelihood impacts because of their low value, which presents an opportunity for stakeholders to engage on catch reduction measures. This study provides new details on how and why different shark species are caught in Puerto Rico, which could facilitate better management that protects threatened species and maintains livelihoods for people.