Download FAR 2015/16 Size, maturity and age composition of porbeagle sharks observed in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries

This report assesses the catch composition of porbeagle sharks taken by surface longlines in New Zealand waters. Length-frequency distributions, maturity and reproductive status were assessed from observer data. An ageing protocol was developed using vertebral sections, and growth curves and a scaled age-frequency distribution of the catch were generated. The proportions of mature sharks caught were estimated.