SHARK CONSERVATION
Increasingly, human activity is exerting negative impacts on shark populations. Due to diminishing numbers of other commercially available fish species, many sharks are now being over harvested as a food resource in many areas where they were previously unexploited. In addition, habitat destruction and pollution are presenting added long-term problems for many sharks. Because many species of sharks exhibit slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity, they are particularly vulnerable to rapid population declines. This campaign is addressing these issues, as well as the pervasive misinformation/lack of education about sharks in general.
PROJECTS
To help focus concern on the plight of coastal shark species, FCF is assisting scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory to produce a video that describes the negative impacts of inshore pollution on coastal sharks. This video, which is scheduled to be shown on hotel televisions throughout the state of Florida, is nearing completion.
To help focus interest and energy on topics associated with large pelagic sharks, FCF has become a leading sponsor of an international, IGFA-sanctioned, catch-and-release-only tournament that participates in an international shark-tagging program. The "Brits vs. Yanks" International Shark Tournament, with teams from the two countries competing for the Steven S. Sloan memorial cup, will continue to pull together anglers and scientists alike in a joint effort to plan a course for shark conservation. One focus will be to use this tournament to promote the conversion of existing traditional tournaments to total no-kill events.
Contacts:
David Philipp
Robert Hueter
Photo: Andrew Skinner
