Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications
Document Type
Poster
Publication Title
Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase
Abstract
Nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum, range throughout the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, and are commonly found in coastal ecosystems in Southern Florida and the Keys. Nurse sharks like all Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are slowgrowing and long lived, making them susceptible to extinction. Recently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List1,2, nurse sharks are relatively underrepresented in scientific literature, and much research remains to be done to understand and protect this species. Growth rates and body size between fish populations of the same species can vary widely. Individuals in the tropics often grow faster and mature at a smaller size compared with individuals in temperate waters, because of the increased productivity of cooler water. But surprisingly, a recent study6 on nurse sharks in Biscayne Bay, South Florida and Bimini, Bahamas found that the more-temperate Biscayne Bay population showed faster growth and smaller maximum adult size. As data on growth rates is important to conservation, it is vital to understand the source of within-species differences.
Advisor
Toby Daly-Engel
Publication Date
4-24-2026
Recommended Citation
Gargiulo, Michelle, "Growing Pains: A Genetic Comparison of Nurse Sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) with Differing Growth Rates" (2026). Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications. 85.
https://repository.fit.edu/oems_student/85