The IGFA is working with scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to collect data on recreational fishermen’s interactions with sharks. Recreational angling for sharks is becoming a popular leisure activity worldwide. Sharks are also landed as bycatch when recreational anglers target other fish species. Given the important role sharks play in marine ecosystems, developing a better understanding of when recreational anglers encounter sharks and how they handle sharks once landed is important for their conservation and management. Please consider taking this short survey that begins to compile angler-based information regarding sharks.
The purpose of this survey is to better understand the nature and perception of shark encounters by the recreational angling community.
This survey has between 17 and 42 questions and should take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. The first part of the survey contains questions about your experiences fishing and catching sharks. The second section will ask you about your personal opinions about shark fishing, regulations, and conservation. Lastly, we ask that you answer a few questions about your background.
The survey can be found by visiting www.surveymonkey.com. Once completed, a copy of the results of the survey may be requested.
