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Anglers Aid Shark Science in UK Waters
8 Sep
Summary
- Recreational anglers are helping scientists study vulnerable shark species.
- A new project uses historical data, electronic tags, and angler sightings.
- The research aims to improve conservation for porbeagle, tope, and blue sharks.
Scientists are launching a significant three-year initiative to investigate three of England's vulnerable shark species: porbeagle, tope, and blue sharks. This project, co-led by researchers from the University of Exeter, is being funded by Natural England with nearly £1 million. The research will integrate historical catch records dating back to 1953 with modern methods such as electronic tagging and sightings reported by recreational anglers.
Anglers, who number around 3 million in the UK, are considered vital citizen scientists. Their extensive experience and passion for the marine environment provide an unparalleled source of data. The project aims to understand shark feeding habits, migration routes, and mating behaviors. Electronic tags, some lasting up to 45 days and others up to a year, will monitor shark survival after catch-and-release fishing and track their movements and diving depths.
Furthermore, the initiative will collect DNA samples to map genetic connectivity between shark populations. This will help determine if, for example, French and English blue sharks are closely related or if tope sharks aggregate for mating. By collaborating with the angling community, the project seeks to enhance knowledge and implement more effective conservation measures for these often-misunderstood animals.
