The article presents the first satellite-tracking data for a juvenile sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) in the Mediterranean waters of Türkiye.
The study is based on a field campaign conducted in June 2024 in Yumurtalık Cove, Iskenderun Bay, one of the few confirmed breeding and nursery grounds for the species.
During the mission, six sandbar sharks were captured and measured, and one juvenile was equipped with a satellite tag, enabling its movements to be monitored for 51 days. During this period, the shark travelled within a relatively restricted area, reaching a maximum straight-line displacement of approximately 88 km towards Mersin Bay.
The observed restricted movement pattern is consistent with possible resident or semi-resident behaviour during the tracking period. However, further tracking of additional individuals is needed to determine whether this pattern is representative of the species in the region.
These first tracking results contribute to a better understanding of sandbar shark spatial behaviour in the eastern Mediterranean. They also underline the need for expanded, long-term tracking across multiple individuals to better understand habitat use and connectivity and to support effective conservation of this endangered species.
The study, is part of the collaborative research efforts contributing to CIESM’s work on Mediterranean sharks, skates and rays.