There are few fisheries that do not catch sharks accidentally. Estimates suggest millions of sharks are caught as bycatch each year worldwide, consequently hampering population rebuilding plans. Bycatch represents a global problem that demands local solutions. The shark repellent industry has grown substantially in the 21st century. For example, earlier studies of electrosensory bycatch reduction devices using either magnets or electropositive metals produced mixed results. Newer technologies, such as microprocessor-based systems, show promising results in reducing shark interactions in fisheries. Currently, the market offers five main types of shark deterrents: (1) magnetic repellents, (2) electric repellents, (3) sound repellents, (4) semiochemical repellents, and (5) visual repellents. This symposium will showcase research evaluating efficacy of devices and tools designed to minimize unintended capture of elasmobranchs. We particularly seek presentations on cooperative research between scientists and fishers and “co-production of knowledge.”
Organizer: Sara Mirabilio, North Carolina Sea Grant, [email protected]
Co-organizer: John Mohan