Photo: Jeff Rotman Photography/Corbis/Getty
Kate Brogan, a representative of the NOAA Fisheries Public Affairs, addressed the agency’s relationship with Sudal and clarified best practices for anglers who fish for sharks.
“Mr. Sudal is not and has never been an employee of NOAA Fisheries nor is he formally affiliated with any of the agency’s programs,” reads a May 18statement from NOAA Fisheries. “He practices citizen science as a volunteer and provides the agency with some of his data. The agency remains concerned with Mr. Sudal’s shark and sawfish handling practices. Best practices and guidelines for volunteers call for the immediate release of sharks. Physical handling should be minimized, all species should be kept in the water while tagging and then released quickly. During tagging, sharks should not be dragged onto dry sand or boat decks for any reason.”
NOAA Fisheries provides information to anglers about best practices for catch and release of sharks, as well as other species, and it works with fishing communities, other government agencies and non-government partners to advise on careful catch and release practices, prohibited species and other ways to protect endangered animals.
In the NOAA’s “Careful Catch” brochure, the agency explains how important careful catch and release guidelines are for maintaining the population of all marine species.
“An ethical angler uses tackle and techniques which minimize harm to fish when engaging in catch-and-release angling,” says the U.S. Code of Angling Ethics.
Some other critical pointers from the NOAA regarding shark catch-and-release best practices include:
Additionally, theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s websiteoffers more guidelines about smart shark fishing, handling and release. It supports many of the NOAA’s best practices, such as:
However, Amanda Nalley of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says FWC law enforcement “is looking into”Sudal’s recent catch of a hammerhead shark. “Hammerhead sharks are prohibited from harvest in Florida state waters. This means that, when caught, they must be released immediately, free, alive and unharmed,” says Nalley, referring to theShark Smart handling guidelines on the FWC website“to ensure sharks like these are released in such a manner that increases chances of survival.” She also cited two Florida fishing rules,68B-2.002andRule 68B – 44, for shark enthusiasts and animal advocates to check out.
For further information about the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP), as well as the protection of marine life and ecosystems, you canread more here.
source: people.com
