Shark Depredation in Recreational Fisheries

Shark depredation (damage imposed by sharks on species targeted by fishermen) is an emerging issue that is purportedly affecting several non-HMS (snapper-grouper, coastal migratory pelagic, dolphin/wahoo) as well as select HMS (e.g., tunas and billfishes) fisheries in the southeastern US. We are taking a citizen-science based approach to 1) acquire depredation data (composition, frequency, etc.) in the recreational sector via leveraging our existing fishing partnerships), and 2) evaluate fishermen perceptions of the issue. Our methods include traditional surveys of anglers, as well as forensic analysis of depredated fish carcasses to better understand the species of sharks damaging these fish. We have also obtained funding to test novel deterrents and assess their efficacy in mitigating these interactions .

Collaborators: J.M. Drymon (Mississippi State University), C. Hutt (NOAA HMS), S. Kajiura (FAU Biological Sciences)

Funding Sources: NOAA/NMFS Cooperative Research Program, NOAA RESTORE Program, NOAA/NMFS Bycatch Reduction and Engineering Program