Toward the validation of an alternative method for endocrine monitoring in sharks: insights from testosterone analyses in the skin of bycatch individuals.

Abstract

The present study presents a new technique for measuring steroid hormones in shark skin. Results reveal for the first time that shark skin contains measurable levels of testosterone and that levels can be reliably measured by enzyme immunoassay. We identify the mass threshold below which samples should not be used to avoid inconsistent hormone data and highlight the importance of considering body location when designing future collection protocols.