NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Mail |
SITE INDEX
CONTACT US
Close Promo Banner
Welcome to the new home for FishWatch information!
Welcome to the new home for FishWatch information!
NOAA Fisheries emblem
Menu
  • Find A Species
      • Find a Species
      • Dolphins & Porpoises
      • Fish & Sharks
      • Highly Migratory Species
      • Invertebrates
      • Sea Turtles
      • Seals & Sea Lions
      • Whales
      • Protected Species
      • All Threatened & Endangered Species
      • Marine Mammals
      • Species By Region
      • Alaska
      • New England/Mid-Atlantic
      • Pacific Islands
      • Southeast
      • West Coast
      • Helpful Resources
      • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
      • Marine Life in Distress
      • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
      • Species in the Spotlight
  • Fishing & Seafood
      • Sustainable Fisheries
      • Bycatch
      • Catch Shares
      • Fishery Observers
      • Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing
      • Magnuson-Stevens Act
      • Research Surveys
      • Population Assessments
      • Resources for Fishing
      • Commercial Fishing
      • Recreational Fishing
      • Subsistence Fishing
      • Fishery Management Info
      • Permits & Forms
      • Rules & Regulations by Region
      • Sustainable Seafood
      • Seafood Profiles
      • Aquaculture
      • Commerce & Trade
      • Seafood Inspection
      • Related Topics
      • Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
      • Offshore Wind Energy
      • Cooperative Research
      • Enforcement
      • Financial Services
      • International Affairs
      • Science & Data
      • Socioeconomics
  • Protecting Marine Life
      • Endangered Species Conservation
      • Listing Species Under ESA
      • Critical Habitat
      • Consultations
      • Species Recovery
      • Research Surveys
      • Species in the Spotlight
      • Endangered Species Act
      • Marine Mammal Protection
      • Health & Stranding Response
      • Marine Mammal Protection Act
      • Research Surveys
      • Population Assessments
      • Take Reduction Plans
      • Marine Life in Distress
      • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
      • Bycatch
      • Ocean Acoustics/Noise
      • Unusual Mortality Events
      • Vessel Strikes
      • Related Topics
      • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
      • Enforcement
      • Funding Opportunities
      • International Cooperation
      • Permits & Authorizations
      • Regulations & Actions
      • Offshore Wind Energy
      • Science & Data
  • Environment
      • Ecosystems
      • U.S. Regional Ecosystems
      • Management
      • Science
      • Habitat Conservation
      • Habitat Restoration
      • Habitat Protection
      • Types of Habitat
      • Habitat by Region
      • Science
      • Consultations
      • Climate Change
      • Understanding the Impacts
      • Responding to Change
      • Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative
      • Regional Activities
      • Offshore Wind Energy
  • Regions
      • Our Regions
      • Alaska
      • New England/ Mid-Atlantic
      • Pacific Islands
      • Southeast
      • West Coast
      • Contact Us
      • Regional Offices
      • Science Centers
  • Resources & Services
      • Rules & Regulations
      • Fisheries Rules & Regs
      • Fisheries Management Info
      • Protected Resources Regs & Actions
      • Permits
      • Fishing & Seafood
      • Protected Resources
      • International & Trade
      • Funding & Financial Services
      • Funding Opportunities
      • Financial Services
      • Prescott Grants
      • Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
      • Habitat Restoration Grants
      • Consultations
      • Habitat
      • Endangered Species
      • Tribal
      • Science & Data
      • Research
      • Surveys
      • Data
      • Maps & GIS
      • Publications
      • Published Research
      • Key Reports
      • Documents
      • Publication Databases
      • Outreach Materials
      • Laws & Policies
      • Magnuson-Stevens Act
      • Endangered Species Act
      • Marine Mammal Protection Act
      • Policies
      • Outreach & Education
      • For Educators
      • For Students
      • Educational Materials
      • Outreach Materials
      • Teacher at Sea
      • Events
  • About Us
      • NOAA Fisheries
      • Our Mission
      • Who We Are
      • Where We Work
      • Our History
      • News & Media
      • News & Announcements
      • Bulletins
      • Multimedia
      • Science Blogs
      • Events
      • Video Gallery
      • Photo Gallery
      • Careers & More
      • Career Paths
      • Internships
      • Volunteering and Citizen Science
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Contact Us
      • National Program Offices
      • Regional Offices
      • Science Centers
      • Our Partners
      • Regional Fishery Management Councils
      • Marine Fishery Advisory Committee
      • Federal Partners
      • State Partners
      • Tribal Governments
      • Non-Government Organizations
      • Inflation Reduction Act
      • About the Investment
      • Priority Areas
      • Habitat Restoration
    • Find A Species
        Back
        Find A Species
          Find a Species
        • Dolphins & Porpoises
        • Fish & Sharks
        • Highly Migratory Species
        • Invertebrates
        • Sea Turtles
        • Seals & Sea Lions
        • Whales
          Protected Species
        • All Threatened & Endangered Species
        • Marine Mammals
          Species By Region
        • Alaska
        • New England/Mid-Atlantic
        • Pacific Islands
        • Southeast
        • West Coast
          Helpful Resources
        • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
        • Marine Life in Distress
        • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
        • Species in the Spotlight
    • Fishing & Seafood
        Back
        Fishing & Seafood
          Sustainable Fisheries
        • Bycatch
        • Catch Shares
        • Fishery Observers
        • Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing
        • Magnuson-Stevens Act
        • Research Surveys
        • Population Assessments
          Resources for Fishing
        • Commercial Fishing
        • Recreational Fishing
        • Subsistence Fishing
        • Fishery Management Info
        • Permits & Forms
        • Rules & Regulations by Region
          Sustainable Seafood
        • Seafood Profiles
        • Aquaculture
        • Commerce & Trade
        • Seafood Inspection
          Related Topics
        • Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
        • Offshore Wind Energy
        • Cooperative Research
        • Enforcement
        • Financial Services
        • International Affairs
        • Science & Data
        • Socioeconomics
    • Protecting Marine Life
        Back
        Protecting Marine Life
          Endangered Species Conservation
        • Listing Species Under ESA
        • Critical Habitat
        • Consultations
        • Species Recovery
        • Research Surveys
        • Species in the Spotlight
        • Endangered Species Act
          Marine Mammal Protection
        • Health & Stranding Response
        • Marine Mammal Protection Act
        • Research Surveys
        • Population Assessments
        • Take Reduction Plans
          Marine Life in Distress
        • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
        • Bycatch
        • Ocean Acoustics/Noise
        • Unusual Mortality Events
        • Vessel Strikes
          Related Topics
        • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
        • Enforcement
        • Funding Opportunities
        • International Cooperation
        • Permits & Authorizations
        • Regulations & Actions
        • Offshore Wind Energy
        • Science & Data
    • Environment
        Back
        Environment
          Ecosystems
        • U.S. Regional Ecosystems
        • Management
        • Science
          Habitat Conservation
        • Habitat Restoration
        • Habitat Protection
        • Types of Habitat
        • Habitat by Region
        • Science
        • Consultations
          Climate Change
        • Understanding the Impacts
        • Responding to Change
        • Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative
        • Regional Activities
        • Offshore Wind Energy
    • Regions
        Back
        Regions
          Our Regions
        • Alaska
        • New England/ Mid-Atlantic
        • Pacific Islands
        • Southeast
        • West Coast
          Contact Us
        • Regional Offices
        • Science Centers
    • Resources & Services
        Back
        Resources & Services
          Rules & Regulations
        • Fisheries Rules & Regs
        • Fisheries Management Info
        • Protected Resources Regs & Actions
          Permits
        • Fishing & Seafood
        • Protected Resources
        • International & Trade
          Funding & Financial Services
        • Funding Opportunities
        • Financial Services
        • Prescott Grants
        • Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
        • Habitat Restoration Grants
          Consultations
        • Habitat
        • Endangered Species
        • Tribal
          Science & Data
        • Research
        • Surveys
        • Data
        • Maps & GIS
          Publications
        • Published Research
        • Key Reports
        • Documents
        • Publication Databases
        • Outreach Materials
          Laws & Policies
        • Magnuson-Stevens Act
        • Endangered Species Act
        • Marine Mammal Protection Act
        • Policies
          Outreach & Education
        • For Educators
        • For Students
        • Educational Materials
        • Outreach Materials
        • Teacher at Sea
        • Events
    • About Us
        Back
        About Us
          NOAA Fisheries
        • Our Mission
        • Who We Are
        • Where We Work
        • Our History
          News & Media
        • News & Announcements
        • Bulletins
        • Multimedia
        • Science Blogs
        • Events
        • Video Gallery
        • Photo Gallery
          Careers & More
        • Career Paths
        • Internships
        • Volunteering and Citizen Science
        • Diversity & Inclusion
          Contact Us
        • National Program Offices
        • Regional Offices
        • Science Centers
          Our Partners
        • Regional Fishery Management Councils
        • Marine Fishery Advisory Committee
        • Federal Partners
        • State Partners
        • Tribal Governments
        • Non-Government Organizations
          Inflation Reduction Act
        • About the Investment
        • Priority Areas
        • Habitat Restoration
Species Directory

Atlantic Blacktip Shark

Overview Seafood Science Resources

Atlantic Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Side-profile illustration of a beige-colored blacktip shark with sharp, pointy snout. Underside is white and fins have black tips. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady
Also Known As
Black fin shark, Blacktip whaler, Common blacktip shark, Gray shark, Requiem shark, Small blacktip shark, Spot-fin ground shark

Quick Facts

Length
Up to 6.5 feet
Region
New England/Mid-Atlantic, Southeast
Fish Watch. U.S. Seafood Facts Logo
School of Atlantic blacktip shark and several other fish swimming underwater.  Atlantic blacktip shark. Credit: Shutterstock

Atlantic blacktip shark. Credit: Shutterstock

About the Species

School of Atlantic blacktip shark and several other fish swimming underwater.  Atlantic blacktip shark. Credit: Shutterstock

Atlantic blacktip shark. Credit: Shutterstock

U.S. wild-caught Atlantic blacktip shark is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

Population Status Icon

Population

The stocks are not overfished.

Fishing Status Icon

Fishing Rate

Not subject to overfishing.

Habitat Impacts Icon

Habitat Impacts

Gear used to catch blacktip sharks has minimal impact on habitat.

Bycatch Icon

Bycatch

Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.

Population Status

  • There are two stocks of blacktip shark: Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic. According to the most recent stock assessments:
    • The Gulf of Mexico stock is not overfished and not subject to overfishing (2018 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART.
    • The Atlantic stock is not overfished and not subject to overfishing (2021 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART.

Appearance

  • Atlantic blacktip sharks are gray to gray-brown, with white on the belly and a conspicuous wedge-shaped band or Z-shaped line on the sides.
  • Their pectoral, dorsal, and tail fins have black tips, but the anal fin is white. 
  • Their bodies have a torpedo shape, which allows them to swim through the water with little effort.
  • Atlantic blacktip sharks are often confused with spinner sharks due to their similar size, shape, coloration, and behavior. Both species are known for leaping and spinning out of the water while feeding on schools of fish. A distinguishing feature is that the anal fin on the blacktip shark is white whereas the anal fin of the spinner shark has a black tip.

Biology

  • Atlantic blacktip sharks grow quickly, and can reach up to 6 feet in length. The oldest observed blacktip shark was 15.5 years old.
  • They often form large groups, segregated into separate schools of males and females when they are not mating. They mate between March and June.
  • Males mature at 4 to 5 years of age, while females mature later, at 6 to 7 years of age.
  • Females have an 11- to 12-month gestation period and give birth to an average of three pups per litter in the Atlantic and four to five pups per litter in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Pups are born in shallow nursery grounds away from the adult population. After giving birth, the females leave the nursery area while juveniles remain. 
  • Blacktip sharks eat bony fishes, smaller sharks, squids, stingrays, shrimp, and crabs. They often follow fishing boats and are sometimes seen consuming discarded fish.

Where They Live

Range

  • Atlantic blacktip sharks can be found year-round in the Gulf of Mexico and are common from Virginia through Florida.
  • They have been known to migrate as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Habitat

  • The Atlantic blacktip shark is primarily a continental shelf species.
  • They’re commonly found off beaches, in bays, estuaries, over coral reefs, and off river mouths. They can also be found around some oceanic islands.

Fishery Management

  • NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division manage the Atlantic blacktip shark fishery.
  • Managed under the Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan:
    • Permits are required, and only a limited number of permits are available.
    • Commercial quotas and limits on how many sharks can be landed per fishing trip.
    • Gear restrictions and requirements.
    • Fishing season is generally year-round, but individual commercial shark fisheries close when the quota is reached.
    • Shark dealers are required to attend Atlantic shark identification workshops to help them better identify shark species.
    • Prohibited species—there are more than 20 species of sharks that cannot be landed (e.g., white, dusky, basking, longfin mako, night). Some of these species look similar to the species that can be landed.  The recreational shark identification and the prohibited shark identification placards can help with identification.
    • The Shark Conservation Act requires that all sharks, with one exception, be brought to shore with their fins naturally attached.
    • Compliance guides are available for all commercial and recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
  • Unlike some highly migratory shark species, there is no international management for Atlantic blacktip sharks at this time. 

Harvest

  • In 2021, commercial landings of Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico blacktip sharks totaled 152,000 pounds, and were valued at $143,000, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database. 
    • To commercially harvest Atlantic sharks, vessel owners must obtain a valid Atlantic shark directed or incidental limited access permit or a smoothhound shark open access permit.  More information regarding limited access permits can be found in the Atlantic HMS commercial compliance guide.
    • Atlantic blacktip sharks belong to the large coastal shark complex.  
  • Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch:
    • Bottom longlines and gillnets are used to catch Atlantic blacktip sharks.
    • Gear used to catch blacktip sharks may catch other species, including marine mammals and turtles.
    • Fishermen using bottom longline or gillnet gear must complete a protected species safe handling, release, and identification workshop.
    • Certain areas are closed to shark fishing to protect nursery areas, sensitive habitats, and populations.
    • Vessel monitoring systems ensure fishermen are complying with area closures.
    • To reduce bycatch of fish, including Atlantic blacktip sharks, shrimp trawlers are required to use bycatch reduction devices, which are designed to retain shrimp but allow fish to exit the net.
  • Recreational fishermen typically use rod-and-reel gear for blacktip sharks:
    • In 2021, recreational anglers landed 977,000 pounds of blacktip shark, according to the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing landings database.  
    • Recreational fishermen must have an Atlantic HMS permit to harvest Atlantic blacktip sharks in federal waters. As of January 1, 2018, all HMS recreational permit holders will need a “shark endorsement” to fish for, retain, possess, or land sharks. 
    • Fishermen fishing recreationally for sharks will be required to use circle hook in most places.  For more information regarding these requirements, please refer to HMS regulations and the Amendment 5b compliance guide.
    • Blacktip sharks are a popular recreational species because they are found near shore and often jump and spin out of the water.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chondrichthyes
Order Carcharhiniformes
Family Carcharhinidae
Genus Carcharhinus
Species limbatus

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023


Featured News

Lemon shark caught in GULFSPAN.jpg Previously tagged lemon shark Negaprion acutidens recaptured during survey
Feature Story

Debunking Common Shark Myths

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Graphic showing multiple shark species underwater.
Feature Story

Celebrating 30 Years of Atlantic Shark Management

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Close-up of Great White Shark
Feature Story

Sharpen Your Shark Facts

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Atlantic blacktip sharks
Feature Story

Atlantic Blacktip Sharks: A Management Success Story

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
View More News

Related Species

Side-profile illustration of an Atlantic sharpnose shark with small, narrow body and pointy snout. Body is shades of gray with some white spots on the side. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

640x427-oceanic-whitetip-shark.png

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Side-profile illustration of a gray spiny dogfish shark wtih white spots and white underside. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady

Atlantic Spiny Dogfish

Recreational Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Commercial Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Subsistence Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Seafood Facts

Fishwatch Logo

Is Atlantic Blacktip Shark Sustainable?

U.S. wild-caught Atlantic blacktip shark is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

Environmental Impact Icon

Availability

Availability varies because the fishery is open periodically throughout the year and closes when the quota is reached.

Feeds Icon

Source

U.S. wild caught from New England to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Farming Methods Icon

Taste

Sweet, meaty taste.

Human Health Icon

Texture

Thick, large flakes and moist flesh.

Human Health Icon

Color

Pinkish-white meat with ruby red edges.

Human Health Icon

Health Benefits

Shark is a low-fat source of protein and is high in selenium and vitamins B6 and B12. More information on health and seafood.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g (raw); Calories: 130; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 1 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Cholesterol: 51 mg; Selenium: 36.5 mcg; Sodium: 79 mg

More Information

  • Sustainable Seafood
  • Profiles in Sustainability: A New Look for FishWatch

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023


Seafood News

A man holds a large farmed salmon in front of a tank. Kyle Woolever, aquaculture manager at Superior Fresh based in Hixton, WI holds a farm-raised salmon. Credit: ©Sara Stathas
Feature Story

Tide to Table Profile: Superior Fresh

New England/Mid-Atlantic
A bearded man wearing a hat on a boat holds a freshly shucked oyster. Holdfast Aquaculture co-founder Nate Churches shucking an oyster. Credit: Holdfast Aquaculture
Feature Story

Tide to Table Profile: Holdfast Aquaculture

West Coast
An adult man and his father stand with arms around each other with saltmarsh and a fish pond in the background. Nasir Kureshy and his father standing near one of their fish ponds at Turtle Creek Aquaculture. Credit: Turtle Creek Aquaculture
Feature Story

Tide to Table Profile: Turtle Creek Aquaculture

Southeast
A man in boots dig for clams in the mud next to an orange bucket. Digging for surfclams. Credit: Island Creek Oysters
Feature Story

Celebrating Aquaculture Week: Farming from Tide to Table

National
View More News

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Science Overview

NOAA Fisheries conducts shark research from New England and the Mid-Atlantic to the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, studying shark life history and performing long-term monitoring activities essential for stock assessment and management. 

For detailed information about stock status, management, assessments, and resource trends, you can search for Atlantic blacktip shark, and any other species of interest, using NOAA's StockSMART web tool.

Tagging and Tracking Blacktip Sharks

NOAA Fisheries runs the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program to study the life history of Atlantic sharks. Started in 1962, the program involves thousands of recreational and commercial fishermen, scientists, and fisheries observers. Participants tag large coastal and pelagic sharks and record information about the shark, such as the date and location where caught, gear used, and the size and sex of the shark.

Research & Data

Atlantic Red Drum Fishery Harvest or Possession Prohibition Area

This dataset depicts the boundaries of the Atlantic Red Drum Fishery Harvest or Possession Prohibition Area.
October 07, 2019 - Map ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
1598924837.jpg
View More

More Information

  • Apex Predator Publications And Reports: Blacktip Shark
  • Shark Identification Placard
  • Shark Identification for Cooperative Shark Tagging Program: Blacktip Shark

Recent Science Blogs

Survey

Sharks, Snapper, and Science—Kicking off the 27th Year of the Southeast Bottom Longline Survey

Survey
NOAA Ship Oregon II conducting shark and boney fish research. Since 1995 the bottom longline survey has been conducted on the Oregon II for shark and bony fish research. Credit: NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
Survey

Shark Species Seen on Leg 2 of Coastal Shark Survey

Survey
Bull shark near bottom. Darker on top.
View More

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Documents

Document

Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2017

Alyssa N. Mathers, Bethany M. Deacy, Heather E. Moncrief-Cox, John K. Carlson

Southeast
Document

Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2015

Michael P. Enzenauer, Bethany M. Deacy, John K. Carlson

Southeast
Document

Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2014

Michael P. Enzenauer, Bethany M. Deacy, John K. Carlson

Southeast
Document

Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2013

Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2013

Southeast
More Documents

Data & Maps

Map

Atlantic Red Drum Fishery Harvest or Possession Prohibition Area

New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Data and Maps

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/22/2023

Scroll to Top Icon
Sign Up Mail Button
Sign up for news and announcements
Stay informed of all the latest regional news around NOAA Fisheries
Sign Up Now!
  • NOAA Fisheries
    • About Us
    • Laws & Policies
    • FishWatch
    • NOAA
    • Department of Commerce
    • Site Index
  • For Fishermen
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Permits & Forms
    • Commercial Fishing
    • Recreational Fishing
    • Fishery Observers
  • For Researchers
    • Published Research
    • Science & Data
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Media Inquiries
    • Report a Violation
    • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
    • NOAA Staff Directory
Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Can't Find What You Need?
Tour Our Site
How are we doing? Send us your feedback
NOAA Logo
Science. Service. Stewardship.
Accessibility
|
EEO
|
FOIA
|
Information Quality
|
Policies & Disclaimer
|
Privacy Policy
|
USA.gov