A rare spinner shark was recently discovered in the waters off Rhode Island, according to a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology. The shark, which measured 24 inches in length, was caught by Captain Carl Granquist and his crew on September 1, 2024.
The Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) partnered with Granquist to identify the species, and together they used scientific literature and frame-by-frame analysis to confirm that the shark was a spinner shark. This is significant because spinners are not typically found in nursery habitats in southern New England, which is unusual for young-of-the-year sharks.
The discovery raises questions about whether climate change is causing shifts in ocean habitats, and how this may affect shark populations. According to ASI Executive Director Jon Dodd, “Our oceans are changing, known habitats are changing, and what we knew to be the case only 10 years ago may no longer be accurate.”
This find is part of ongoing research efforts by the ASI to understand and protect shark populations in the region. The Institute’s work aims to inform conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of these vital ecosystems.
Source: https://www.golocalprov.com/news/rare-spinner-shark-discovered-in-rhode-island-waters-finding-published-in-j