OCCURRENCE OF IMMATURE SHARKS IN ARTISANAL FISHERIES OF THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

A common feature of Mexican artisanal fisheries is the high proportion of immature sharks in catches. Immature sharks have been historically caught in the southern Gulf of Mexico; however, there is a lack of catch rate estimates. Fishery-dependent sampling in the states of Tabasco (2007-2010 and 2012-2014) and Campeche (2011-2014) was conducted to estimate catch rates of immature sharks of large shark species (species reaching > 150 cm of total length). The catch rate of the 12 recorded species was < 1 shark/fishing day. Immature individuals accounted for a high percentage of the sharks caught in Tabasco (94.5%) and Campeche (90%). We suggest the coast of both states is a juvenile shark habitat for the 12 species. Sharks with predominantly coastal habitats are probably more vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts in the study area, including artisanal fisheries, the oil industry, and coastal development.Keywords: shark nurseries, juvenile shark habitat, fishery management, Campeche Bank.