Describing and Characterizing Potential Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris) Nursery Habitat in Mississippi Coastal Waters

Author

Lindsay K. Bomgardner, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Committee Chair

Michael Andres

Committee Chair School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Committee Member 2

Jill Hendon

Committee Member 2 School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Committee Member 3

Wei Wu

Committee Member 3 School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Abstract

The Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris) is a member of the large coastal shark complex found throughout North and South American coastal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico (GoM), and Pacific. The species is currently known to use Louisiana waters as their northernmost nursery habitat within the GoM, but recent juvenile captures in Mississippi (MS) waters prompted further exploration of the species. Data from long-term gillnet monitoring in conjunction with a focused gillnet study predominantly around Cat Island, MS was used to identify depth as the main factor influencing capture. Lemon Sharks were acoustically tagged to monitor movements throughout the system and individuals were observed around Cat Island as well as other MS barrier islands. This study used different spatial and community metrics to evaluate association of Lemon Sharks with different habitats and regions across the study area. Kernel utilization distribution demonstrated a reduced use area during colder temperatures with movements restricted to the southern region of Cat Island. Through network analyses and community detection algorithms (CDA), younger individuals were observed utilizing a more restricted region than older individuals and were more frequently associated with their location of capture. An evaluation of habitat demonstrated a preference for sandy-bottom, open habitats as well as seagrass. This study is the first to understand the extent of Lemon Shark use of MS coastal waters as potential nursery habitat and to identify key habitat characteristics associated with the species within this area where they previously have rarely been found.

Copyright

Lindsay K. Bomgardner, 2025

Recommended Citation

Bomgardner, Lindsay K., "Describing and Characterizing Potential Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris) Nursery Habitat in Mississippi Coastal Waters" (2025). Master's Theses. 1156.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1156