Size and sex composition of three carcharhiniform sharks landed by a coastal artisanal fleet from the northeastern coast of Brazil

Abstract Sharks are among the marine organisms most impacted by intense fisheries, a worrying fact since they key components in trophic structure of ecosystems. In this context, fish landing data can help managers shark conservation. This study characterized landings Carcharhinus acronotus, Mustelus cf. canis, and Sphyrna mokarran Mucuripe Embayment, Ceará, Brazil, along three periods (1998–1999, 2006–2008, 2015–2016). A total 223 specimens were recorded from 227 site visits. acronotus measured 50 to 139 cm length (TL), with 1.3:1 sex ratio favor males. Most adults (55.1% males 62.9% females). canis varied 64 133 TL, females (3.1:1). (50% 68% 116 380 7:1 juveniles. is first fishery-dependent provide information on size composition these species for southwestern equatorial Atlantic.