University of Massachusetts Amherst is collaborating with angling groups to collect data on recreational fishermen's interactions with sharks. Recreational angling for sharks is becoming a popular leisure activity worldwide. Sharks are also landed as bycatch when recreational anglers target other fish species. Given the important role sharks play in marine ecosystems, developing a better understanding of when recreational anglers encounter sharks and how they handle sharks once landed is important for their conservation and management. Please consider taking this short survey that begins to compile angler-based information regarding sharks.
Shark Survey:
http://www.igfa.org/News/UMass-Shark-Survey.aspx
Contact information for the researchers is available in the survey. We would be happy to answer any questions about the purpose of the survey or survey questions.
This survey, as it nears the end, seems to have an agenda. I do not want anyone telling me that I have to release a shark(as long as it is legal) and I do not want anyone telling me what type of gear or hooks that I must use. Answer the questions carefully or you could be supporting something that may come back to "Bite" you.
This survey, as it nears the end, seems to have an agenda. I do not want anyone telling me that I have to release a shark(as long as it is legal) and I do not want anyone telling me what type of gear or hooks that I must use. Answer the questions carefully or you could be supporting something that may come back to "Bite" you.
Hi,
Thanks for your comment and I appreciate that you went through the survey -
To clarify, this project does not have a regulatory agenda. In the US, over 90% of sharks that are caught recreationally are released alive and in good condition. So we understand that the fishing techniques and gear that US anglers use contributes to shark survival.
We plan to share the results of this survey through both scientific and popular media. We will also be providing the data to interested angling groups and any interested individuals. My contact information is also at the end of the survey and I would be happy to further discuss the purpose of the survey and the survey questions.
Thanks again,
Kate