Abstract:
We present 15 individual cases of sub-adult white sharks that were SPOT tagged in South Africa from 2003–2004 and have
been re-sighted as recently as 2011. Our observations suggest SPOT tags can cause permanent cosmetic and structural
damage to white shark dorsal fins depending on the duration of tag attachment. SPOT tags that detached within 12–24
months did not cause long term damage to the dorsal fin other than pigmentation scarring. Within 12 months of
deployment, tag fouling can occur. After 24 months of deployment permanent damage to the dorsal fin occurred. A shark
survived this prolonged attachment and there seems little compromise on the animal’s long term survival and resultant
body growth. This is the first investigation detailing the long term effects of SPOT deployment on the dorsal fin of white
sharks.
