Sharks at VIMS

Sand Tiger VIMS researchers prepare to bring a sand tiger shark from the gurney onto the R/V Bay Eagle during a shark survey cruise.

Tag and Release A VIMS researchers prepares to release a tagged dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) to learn more about the species' distribution and behavior.

Tag and Release Dustin and Jameson Gregg prepare to dehook and tag a sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) before releasing it back into the water.

Dehooking Dehooking a sand tiger (Carcharias taurus) aboard the RV Bay Eagle. The shark will be weighed, measured, and tagged before its release back into the water.

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 Sharks play a key role in marine ecosystems worldwide. The Virginia Shark Monitoring and Assessment Program (VASMAP) is a key source of data for better understanding and management of sharks in the mid-Atlantic.  The systematic study of mid-Atlantic sharks at VIMS began in 1974 and now stands as one of the longest-running fishery-independent studies of shark populations in the world. This longline survey brought global attention to significant declines in shark populations due to overfishing, and led to the first U.S. management plan for sharks, in 1993. Because sexual maturity doesn't occur until age 5 or later, and only 8-10 pups are produced each year, recovery of shark populations from severe depletion can take decades.  As fishing regulations help shark populations rebound in U.S. waters, data from shark research programs at VIMS continue to inform stock assessments and fishery management plans at federal and state levels.

Learn More:

Species

Virginia Sharks Species Shark Anatomy Virginia Shark Identification Guide

Three Survey Components VASMAP Longline Survey COASTSPAN Tagging Studies

Management and Conservation Data from the VIMS Shark Survey show that populations of large coastal sharks were severely depleted between the late 1970s and the early 1990s. These data informed the implementation of shark-management measures in Virginia in 1990, and by the federal government in 1993. These measures have led to a slow but steady recovery in most mid-Atlantic shark stocks. National Marine Fisheries Service Stock Assessments Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Shark Management Plan Virginia Marine Resources Commission Shark Regulations

Reports

Maps Maps

Funding The VASMAP program is funded by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission