A Rhode Island fisherman not too long ago captured video footage of a juvenile spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) off the coast of Charlestown, Rhode Island. This marks the primary documented sighting of a younger spinner shark in New England waters, prompting each enthusiasm and curiosity amongst native fishermen and marine biologists.
On September 1, 2024, Captain Carl Granquist was fishing south of Charlestown when a small shark, measuring 24 inches, landed on the deck of his boat, the F/V Estrella Domar. Not sure of the species, Granquist recorded a video and, alongside together with his mate Bryce Biggs, measured the shark earlier than releasing it again into the ocean. He then shared the footage with the Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) for identification.
Jon Dodd, ASI’s Government Director, acknowledged that the shark was both a spinner or blacktip shark—each species usually discovered alongside the southeastern U.S. coast and sometimes troublesome to differentiate. To substantiate the identification, Dodd consulted Dr. Joshua Moyer of Yale College and Dr. Stephen Kajiura of Florida Atlantic College. Via detailed evaluation, together with frame-by-frame examination of the video, they recognized the shark as a juvenile spinner shark.
The presence of a younger spinner shark in Rhode Island waters is noteworthy. Spinner sharks are recognized for his or her spectacular aerial shows, leaping and spinning out of the water. Lately, anglers have reported spinner sharks off New Jersey and the south shore of Lengthy Island. Nonetheless, their documented nursery habitats vary from the Carolinas to Florida, making this northern sighting uncommon. The shark’s partially healed umbilical wound indicated it was a neonate, elevating questions on whether or not spinner shark nursery habitats are shifting northward, probably attributable to local weather change, or if this was an remoted incident.
The story highlights the worth of collaboration between fishermen and researchers. Granquist’s choice to doc and share his encounter offered scientists with beneficial information, resulting in a publication within the Journal of Fish Biology. Such partnerships improve our understanding of marine life and might inform conservation efforts.
As ocean temperatures and ecosystems proceed to alter, fishermen could encounter species exterior their conventional ranges. Staying observant and reporting uncommon catches can assist in monitoring these shifts.
Though not a major goal for sport fishermen in south Atlantic waters the place they’re widespread, spinner sharks present an exhilarating combat for individuals who do hook into them. Recognized for his or her velocity, agility, and acrobatic leaps, they problem anglers with their high-energy runs and spectacular aerial shows. Many leisure fishermen who goal sharks discover spinners to be an exhilarating catch.
