Modulations in the stress response, such as that shown for glucose, could allow the sharks to physiologically adapt to the highly variable seasonal abiotic and biotic conditions within the waters of the Mississippi Sound. Of particular interest are the notably higher summer hematological concentrations. When combined with the fact that these male sharpnose sharks have the poorest energetic condition during summer, this heightened physiological stress response could represent a mechanism to aid in survival during any acute challenges they encounter at this time. The alternative explanation is that the higher summer hematological concentrations are simply a response to the increased water temperature and is not an adaptation for increased survival during this time. Future studies are needed to determine whether the seasonal change in the stress response observed in the study was primarily a temperature response or due to other seasonal variables such as food availability, competition, and migratory preparation.