Vulnerability of sharks in relation to “bycatch” fishing
A study done by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and UM Abess center for Ecosystem Science and Policy observed the survival rates of twelve different sharks after being captured unitentionally in commercial longline fishing practices. The researchers not only took into account their survival, but also their capability to reproduce. They found that species of shark with slow reproductive potential and unusual body features are most at risk after being caught in these fishing lines. This includes but is not limited to the scalloped hammer head and the bigeye thresher. UM Research Assistant Professor neil Hammerschlag suggests that “techniques that reduce [the sharks] interactions with fishing gear in the first place may be the best strategy for conserving these species.” This includes stricter government regulations on where fishing companies can fish especially if those areas are known to be home to many of these species of sharks. One barrier to this would be that many big fishing companies have political ties and can easily manipulate their politicians. My opinion is that this is becoming a huge issue as commercial fishing becomes bigger and bigger and without a solution, these species of sharks will soon go extinct.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140722142702.htm
I completely agree with you Sydney. Not only do fishing lines affect sharks, but other marine animals as well. (Sea turtles, sea gulls) I have read articles about fishing boat's motors injuring manatees and dolphins too. I believe that this is also a tricky issue as it has been occurring for quite some time. Also, did the article mention anything about the sharks that did end up unintentionally (I'm assuming) caught in fishing lines rate of survival? I wonder, even if they were released, how or if they were affected afterwards.
ReplyDeleteThe article didn't mention anything about sharks being released after being unintentionally caught, but I do know that the survival rates for all sharks regardless of species is extremely low.
ReplyDeleteWhen they get caught does it injure them in some way? It's horrible to think that such incidents are so common in commercial fishing! It is good to know that they at least let the sharks go after catching them. I would have never thought that being caught could affect things like reproduction and survival. I completely agree with your opinion that it is becoming such a large issue and that a solution is needed soon before it gets out of hand.
ReplyDeleteI love fishing in both salt and fresh water, but I can definitely see how fish can be harmed even through catch and release fishing. Fishermen expose fish to being out of the water for long periods of time, while they either work the hook out or show off their catch. Hooks also don’t always go into the lips of fish. Fish can occasionally be foul hooked in the side or can more commonly swallow hooks. If a fish swallows a hook many fisherman will simply leave the hook inside the fish. It has to be close to impossible for a fish to survive with a hook inside of it. Through my experiences shark fishing I have noticed that sharks bleed more than the average fish when getting unhooked. I can’t imagine that bleeding that much is healthy for the shark and considering sharks are attracted to blood it may make the fish a target when it is returned to the water. Fishing isn’t going to stop, but I agree that steps need to be taken to protect endangered fish.
ReplyDeleteYeah this is a huge problem nowadays. The solution is simple, outlaw long line fishing. It seems to be way more trouble then it is worth and net fishing catches more. It seems simple enough to me.
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