Record the date the shark was captured. Indicate whether you caught it early or late in the day. Determine if the shark is male or female. Males have two external finger-like structures called claspers below their bodies attached to the back of the pelvic fins. Sharks can be harmed in the capturing and release process or they may already show symptoms of ill health .
Scientists record the type of gear used to capture specimens.
Gear can include fishing lines, nets, gill nets and a variety of hooks. Shark researchers use specialized fishing gear chosen to cause the least damage when sharks are caught and released. Record the tag number. Look at the other data that the previous scientist has recorded for your shark, if any. Record this data for future reference.