Effects of prolonged entanglement in discarded fishing gear with substantive biofouling on the health and behavior of an adult shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus

► The health and behavior of a shortfin mako shark entangled in a rope were evaluated. ► The shark suffered from deep abrasions, scoliosis of the back, and undernourishment. ► Barnacles fouling on the rope were aged to determine entanglement duration. ► The rope was removed and the shark was released with a pop-up satellite archival tag. ► The shark survived and, after an initial stress period, showed normal movements.