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Species included in the guide were selected based on their high rate of occurrence in the decades of survey research conducted by The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Fisheries Research and Development.  \nIn this guide you will find an external anatomy reference which will aid you in using the identification key. The key will guide you through a series of questions to assist you in identifying the correct species of a shark from Mississippi waters. Once the species is identified, thereis a description page that provides additional details and an example photo. It is the intent of the authors that this guide serve as a field identification aid as well as a source of general information on local sharks.  \nThrough our research, we have found that our local waters are an important nursery area for many coastal shark species. Their presence in our waters aids in keeping the Mississippi Sound productive and thriving. Sharks play an important role in maintaining the intricate balance of our coastal ecosystem and makes our waters some of the most diverse in the Gulf of Mexico. Considering the overfished status of numerous shark species, it is important that we, as stewards of our ecosystem, protect and respect this resource. In your endeavors, simple choices such as gently handling and releasing female sharks during pupping season can make a positive impact on the sustainability of our populations.  \nWe hope this guide is useful to you and we appreciate your interest in these important predators in our waters.  \n| REPORT TAGGED FISH |  |  |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| What info is needed?\u003Cbr>• Tag ID\u003Cbr>• Date of catch\u003Cbr>• Location of catch\u003Cbr>• Total length of fish\u003Cbr>• Kept or released\u003Cbr>• Your contact info | Tag color may vary |  |\n|  | \u003Cbr>CONTACT PHONE \\# | \u003Cbr>TAG ID |\n| \u003Cbr>TAG ID\u003Cbr>TAG ID CONTACT\u003Cbr>PHONE \\#\u003Cbr>To report any tag, please contact us with the above information at:\u003Cbr>228.818.8818 • [tagging@usm.edu](tagging@usm.edu)\u003Cbr>|  |  |\n\nSAWFISH  \nThe Smalltooth Sawfish, Prisits pectinata, is a species that has historically been present in our waters. We have had reports of them returning to the Mississippi Sound. This species is listed as ENDANGERED and therefore reporting of any sightings is essential.  \nGeneral Release Guidelines  \n• Release sawfish immediately  \n• Never lift the sawfish from the water or drag it ashore  \n• Do not use gaffs or ropes on the sawfish  \n• Cut any gear off of the sawfish as close to the attached point or hook as possible without injuring the animal  \nAn Endangered Species:  \n• Smalltooth sawfish are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)  \n• Federal law prohibits injuring or harming sawfish  \n• Captured sawfish should be released immediately and reported  \nTO REPORT A SAWFISH SIGHTING  \n1-844-4SAWFISH  \nProvide as much of the following as possible:  \n• Date and time  \n• Latitude and longitude (or detailed location description)  \n• Habitat description (water depth, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen)  \n• Photographs (in/on gear, body, rostrum)  \n• Markings, scars, wounds  \n• Tag number and type if applicable  \n• Lengths (saw and total, estimate if necessary)  \n• Sex  \n• Release condition including any gear attached to the fish  \n2  \nCONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE  \nShark Size and Reproduction Information ....... 4  \nExternal Anatomy References............................ 5  \nIdentifi","cbCaif3mLu4Knx2l","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaif3mLu4Knx2l","pdf",6170327,36,"English","# Preface\n## Identification purpose and target audience\n## Field identification workflow\n## Local ecology and stewardship\n# Contents of this guide\n## Shark size and reproduction information\n## External anatomy references\n## Identification key\n## Species accounts (e.g., bonnethead, tiger shark, bull shark)\n## General reproductive information","[{\"question\":\"Who is the guide intended to help with shark identification in Mississippi?\",\"answer\":\"It assists recreational anglers, commercial fishers, charter captains, marine enforcement officers, and shark enthusiasts identifying sharks in Mississippi coastal waters.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the identification process work in the guide?\",\"answer\":\"Users follow an external anatomy reference and a question-based identification key; once a species is identified, a description page provides extra details and an example photo.\"},{\"question\":\"What should be done if a smalltooth sawfish sighting occurs?\",\"answer\":\"Release sawfish immediately, avoid lifting or dragging it ashore, and report sightings with the requested details (date/time, location, habitat, photos, markings, tag information when applicable, lengths, sex, and release condition).\"}]","Identification Guide to Sharks of Mississippi | PDF",1792714290,91]