Global FinPrint sampling in the western Atlantic region

The western Atlantic is a region where shark populations are reportedly at critical levels. The Global FinPrint Project has surveyed reefs in 24 countries in this region using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS;... [ view full abstract ]

The western Atlantic is a region where shark populations are reportedly at critical levels. The Global FinPrint Project has surveyed reefs in 24 countries in this region using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS; over 3,000 hour-long deployments). Eleven shark and 8 ray species were video-captured, with an overall sightings rate of 0.65 sharks and 0.23 rays observed per hour. The most common species observed were Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), nurse shark (Ginglystoma cirratum), southern stingray (Hypanus americanus), and white spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari). Sightings rate varied widely between countries and reefs within countries, which we are attempting to explain by assessing a wide range of potential environmental, habitat, and anthropogenic factors. Although shark populations in this region have been characterized as severely overfished there remain areas of relatively high abundance and diversity, including The Bahamas, the Sea Flower Biosphere Reserve, and Tobago. Importantly we sighted a majority of the expected species in many countries,  suggesting widespread recovery is possible from in-country refuges.