Catching Sharks: Recreational Saltwater Angler Behaviors and Attitudes Regarding Shark Encounters and Conservation

The nature and perception of recreational angling shark encounters– a fundamental precursor to future research, management, and conservation measures aimed to increase shark survival– is not well documented. Six hundred recreational saltwater anglers responded to a survey and reported their experiences targeting or incidentally catching sharks, as well as their attitudes toward sharks, shark fishing techniques, and shark conservation and management. The survey found sharks were regularly targeted (57% of respondents) and 93% of respondents caught a shark at least once. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents released the last shark that they caught and most respondents often or always practiced catch-and-release with sharks. Avid anglers had positive attitudes toward sharks and shark conservation and had a desire to handle and release sharks in ways that would increase their likelihood of survival. However, the survey also revealed that there are a variety of situational factors (e.g. target fish, fishing platform) that influence the choices that anglers make while fishing, which may influence adherence to best catch-and-release practices. Based on their positive attitudes toward sharks, avid anglers may be strong allies for the development, dissemination, and adoption of species and situational-specific best practice catch-and-release guidelines within the wider saltwater angling community.