Age and Growth of the Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, Using Four Methods

1983 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1944-1957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold L. Pratt Jr. ◽  
John G. Casey

Age and growth rate of shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, captured by hook and line between 1961 and 1981 were determined using four methods: (1) temporal analysis of length–month information, (2) results of tagging data, (3) length–frequency analysis, and (4) ring counts on vertebrae. A temporal analysis of length–month information relating size to age for individuals less than 150 cm fork length (FL) was used to determine size (60–70 cm FL), time of birth (late spring), and early growth rate (50 cm/yr for ages 0–I, 32 cm/yr for ages I–II). This growth rate was used as a basis for interpreting the accuracy of other methods. Annual growth rates were calculated from 32 tag–recaptured mako sharks and resolved graphically into a growth curve. Length–frequency modes extended age estimates to intermediate-sized makos. Counts of growth rings on vertebral centra stained with silver nitrate were employed to back-calculate lengths at ages for the full range (69–328 cm). Our interpretation was based on the hypothesis that two rings are formed on the centrum each year; these age estimates agreed well with results from other methods. Males and females had a similar growth rate even though females grow much larger than males. The oldest female in the sample was 11.5 yr at 328 cm. The oldest male was 4.5 yr at 225 cm. The von Bertalanffy asymptotic growth function adequately described shortfin mako growth: male L∞ = 302 cm, K = 0.266, t0 = −1; female L∞ = 345 cm, K = 0.203, t0 = −1.

2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Morison ◽  
K. R. Rowling

Age and growth of 5678 redfish, collected during 1991–98 from Australia’s South East Fishery, were estimated from thin sections of otoliths. A maximum age of 44 years was recorded for a 30 cm (fork length) female, but 80%of females in the commercial catch were <10 years, and 80%of males were <13 years. The largest was a 34 cm female estimated to be 36 years old. Repeated age estimates of a subsample revealed an average error of 3.79%. There was significant variation in the mean length-at-age among years, and there were significant effects for age*year, age*sex, age*region, region*year, and sex*region*year interactions. Assessments of the fishery have assumed a single stock, because tagging results from the 1980s indicate movement of redfish along the coast. This study found consistent differences in sex ratio and growth rate between regions, which indicate some structuring within the population. However, the differences in growth rates are not consistent among years and could not be explained by differences in depths fished, suggesting a more dynamic situation than spatially segregated stocks. Estimates of natural mortality ranged from 0.07 to 0.11 year–1 and differed between regions.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262281
Author(s):  
Virginia R. Shervette ◽  
Jesús M. Rivera Hernández

Ensuring the accuracy of age estimation in fisheries science through validation is an essential step in managing species for long-term sustainable harvest. The current study used Δ14 C in direct validation of age estimation for queen triggerfish Balistes vetula and conclusively documented that triggerfish sagittal otoliths provide more accurate and precise age estimates relative to dorsal spines. Caribbean fish samples (n = 2045) ranged in size from 67–473 mm fork length (FL); 23 fish from waters of the southeastern U.S. (SEUS) Atlantic coast ranged in size from 355–525 mm FL. Otolith-based age estimates from Caribbean fish range from 0–23 y, dorsal spine-based age estimates ranged from 1–14 y. Otolith-based age estimates for fish from the SEUS ranged from 8–40 y. Growth function estimates from otoliths in the current study (L∞ = 444, K = 0.13, t0 = -1.12) differed from spined-derived estimates in the literature. Our work indicates that previously reported maximum ages for Balistes species based on spine-derived age estimates may underestimate longevity of these species since queen triggerfish otolith-based ageing extended maximum known age for the species by nearly three-fold (14 y from spines versus 40 y from otoliths). Future research seeking to document age and growth population parameters of Balistes species should strongly consider incorporating otolith-based ageing in the research design.


2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kai ◽  
K. Shiozaki ◽  
S. Ohshimo ◽  
K. Yokawa

This paper presents an estimation of growth curves and spatiotemporal distributions of juvenile shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in the western and central North Pacific Ocean using port sampling data collected from 2005 to 2013. The monthly length compositions show a clear transition of three modes in the size range of smaller than 150-cm precaudal length (PCL), which were believed to represent the growth of age-0 to age-2 classes, and they were then decomposed into age groups by fitting a Gaussian mixture distribution. Simulation data of lengths at monthly ages were generated from the mean and standard deviation of each distribution, and fit with a von Bertalanffy growth function. Parameters of the estimated growth curves for males and females were 274.4 and 239.4cm PCL for the asymptotic length and 0.19 and 0.25 year–1 for the growth coefficient indicating apparently faster growth than previously reported. Generalised linear models were applied to age-0 to explore the seasonal changes of PCL by area. They were born during late autumn and winter off the coast of north-eastern Japan, an area known to have relatively high productivity compared with other pelagic areas, and gradually expanded their habitat eastward and northward with the seasons as they grew.


2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Cerna ◽  
Roberto Licandeo

The shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, is a large pelagic shark with a widespread global distribution. However, very little is known about most aspects of this species for the south-eastern Pacific. In the present paper, the age and growth parameters of the shortfin mako, caught by Chilean swordfish longline fisheries from 2004 to 2005, are reported. Ages were estimated by counting band-pairs from sections of vertebral centra from 547 individuals, ranging from 76 to 330 cm in total length (TL). Trends in the proportion of opaque edges for all ages combined and grouped into ages 0–6 and 7–26 years indicated that they are formed during summer and showed that annually, one band-pair is formed in the vertebrae of shortfin makos. Modal-progression analysis was used to verify the first three age classes (ages 0–2 years). For both sexes, the oldest estimated age was 25+ years. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated at L∞ = 325.29 cm TL, K = 0.076 year–1 and t0 = –3.18 years for females and L∞ = 296.60 cm TL, K = 0.087 year–1 and t0 = –3.58 years for males. The results indicated that this species is highly vulnerable to exploitation and, thus, urgent conservation measures are required.


PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1392
Author(s):  
Juan C. Levesque

Ladyfish (Elopssp) are a common and economically valuable coastal nearshore species found along coastal beaches, bays, and estuaries of the southeastern United States, and subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Previously, ladyfish were a substantial bycatch in Florida’s commercial fisheries, but changes in regulations significantly reduced commercial landings. Today, ladyfish are still taken in commercial fisheries in Florida, but many are also taken by recreational anglers. Life-history information and research interest in ladyfish is almost non-existent, especially information on age and growth. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to expand our understanding of ladyfish age and growth characteristics. The specific objectives were to describe, for the first time, age, growth, and recruitment patterns of juvenile ladyfish from the east coast of Florida (USA). In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), annual monthly length-frequency distributions were confounded because a few small individuals recruited throughout the year; monthly length-frequency data generally demonstrated a cyclical pattern. The smallest were collected in September and the largest in May. Post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference in length between August and May, or among the other months. In Volusia County (VC), annual monthly length-frequency distribution demonstrated growth generally occurred from late-winter and spring to summer. The smallest ladyfish were collected in February and the largest in August. On average, the absolute growth rate in the IRL was 36.3 mm in 60 days or 0.605 mm day−1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates, elevations, and coincidentals were similar among sampling years. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.807 in 1993 to 1.811 mm day−1in 1994. Overall, growth was best (i.e., goodness of fit) described by exponential regression. On average, the absolute growth rate in VC was 28 mm in 150 days or 0.1866 mm day−1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates were significantly different among sampling years; however, the elevations and coincidentals were similar. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.741 in 1994 to 1.933 mm day−1in 1993. Mean ladyfish growth was best described by linear regression; however, natural growth was explained better by exponential regression. In the IRL, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 156.0 mm SL, which corresponded to an estimated growth rate of 0.4356 mm day−1. In VC, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 80 mm SL corresponding to an estimated growth rate of 0.2361 mm day−1.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C Levesque

Ladyfish (Elops sp) are a common and economically valuable coastal nearshore species found along coastal beaches, bays, and estuaries of the southeastern United States, and subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Previously, ladyfish were a substantial bycatch in Florida’s commercial fisheries, but changes in regulations significantly reduced commercial landings. Today, ladyfish are still taken in commercial fisheries in Florida, but many are also taken by recreational anglers. Life-history information and research interest in ladyfish is almost non-existent, especially information on age and growth. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to expand our understanding of ladyfish age and growth characteristics. The specific objectives were to describe, for the first time, age, growth, and recruitment patterns of juvenile ladyfish from the east coast of Florida (USA). In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), annual monthly length-frequency distributions were confounded because a few small individuals recruited throughout the year; monthly length-frequency data generally demonstrated a cyclical pattern. The smallest were collected in September and the largest in May. Post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference in length between August and May, or among the other months. In Volusia County (VC), annual monthly length-frequency distribution demonstrated growth generally occurred from late-winter and spring to summer. The smallest ladyfish were collected in February and the largest in August. On average, the absolute growth rate in the IRL was 36.3 mm in 60 days or 0.605 mm day-1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates, elevations, and coincidentals were similar among sampling years. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.807 in 1993 to 1.811 mm day-1 in 1994. Overall, growth was best (i.e., goodness of fit) described by exponential regression. On average, the absolute growth rate in VC was 28 mm in 150 days or 0.1866 mm day-1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates were significantly different among sampling years; however, the elevations and coincidentals were similar. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.741 in 1994 to 1.933 mm day-1 in 1993. Mean ladyfish growth was best described by linear regression; however, natural growth was explained better by exponential regression. In the IRL, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 156.0 mm SL, which corresponded to an estimated growth rate of 0.4356 mm day-1. In VC, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 80 mm SL corresponding to an estimated growth rate of 0.2361 mm day-1.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C Levesque

Ladyfish (Elops sp) are a common and economically valuable coastal nearshore species found along coastal beaches, bays, and estuaries of the southeastern United States, and subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Previously, ladyfish were a substantial bycatch in Florida’s commercial fisheries, but changes in regulations significantly reduced commercial landings. Today, ladyfish are still taken in commercial fisheries in Florida, but many are also taken by recreational anglers. Life-history information and research interest in ladyfish is almost non-existent, especially information on age and growth. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to expand our understanding of ladyfish age and growth characteristics. The specific objectives were to describe, for the first time, age, growth, and recruitment patterns of juvenile ladyfish from the east coast of Florida (USA). In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), annual monthly length-frequency distributions were confounded because a few small individuals recruited throughout the year; monthly length-frequency data generally demonstrated a cyclical pattern. The smallest were collected in September and the largest in May. Post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference in length between August and May, or among the other months. In Volusia County (VC), annual monthly length-frequency distribution demonstrated growth generally occurred from late-winter and spring to summer. The smallest ladyfish were collected in February and the largest in August. On average, the absolute growth rate in the IRL was 36.3 mm in 60 days or 0.605 mm day-1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates, elevations, and coincidentals were similar among sampling years. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.807 in 1993 to 1.811 mm day-1 in 1994. Overall, growth was best (i.e., goodness of fit) described by exponential regression. On average, the absolute growth rate in VC was 28 mm in 150 days or 0.1866 mm day-1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates were significantly different among sampling years; however, the elevations and coincidentals were similar. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.741 in 1994 to 1.933 mm day-1 in 1993. Mean ladyfish growth was best described by linear regression; however, natural growth was explained better by exponential regression. In the IRL, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 156.0 mm SL, which corresponded to an estimated growth rate of 0.4356 mm day-1. In VC, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 80 mm SL corresponding to an estimated growth rate of 0.2361 mm day-1.


2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (12) ◽  
pp. 1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Groeneveld ◽  
G. Cliff ◽  
S. F. J. Dudley ◽  
A. J. Foulis ◽  
J. Santos ◽  
...  

The population structure, reproductive biology, age and growth, and diet of shortfin makos caught by pelagic longliners (2005–10) and bather protection nets (1978–2010) in the south-west Indian Ocean were investigated. The mean fork length (FL) of makos measured by observers on longliners targeting tuna, swordfish and sharks was similar, and decreased from east to west, with the smallest individuals occurring near the Agulhas Bank edge, June to November. Nearly all makos caught by longliners were immature, with equal sex ratio. Makos caught by bather protection nets were significantly larger, males were more frequent, and 93% of males and 55% of females were mature. Age was assessed from band counts of sectioned vertebrae, and a von Bertalanffy growth model fitted to sex-pooled length-at-age data predicted a birth size (L0) of 90 cm, maximum FL (L∞) of 285 cm and growth coefficient (k) of 0.113 y–1. Males matured at 190 cm FL, aged 7 years, and females at 250 cm, aged 15 years. Litter sizes ranged from nine to 14 pups, and the presence of gravid females in bather protection nets suggested that some pupping occurred in shelf waters. Teleosts (mainly Trachurus capensis) occurred in 84% of stomachs collected on longliners, whereas elasmobranchs (63.5%) were most common in samples collected from bather protection nets, followed by teleosts (43.1%) and cephalopods (36.5%). Larger prey size may be a factor that attracts large makos to coastal waters.


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