From Andy Danylchuk (@keep.fish.wet & @FishMission) & UMass Amherst:
Are you an angler fishing along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Maine? Have you ever had a predator take your fish right off the line before you could land it? If so, Dr. Andy Danylchuk’s lab at UMass Amherst wants to hear from you!
Starting July 17, 2024, Dr. Danylchuk’s team, led by PhD student Evan Prasky, is launching a survey focused on depredation. For those unfamiliar with the term, depredation occurs when a predator—such as a shark or seal—takes a fish off an angler’s line before it is fully reeled in. This issue is becoming increasingly common and controversial, and there are significant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to better manage and conserve our fisheries.
This survey specifically targets the recreational fishery from North Carolina to Maine, regions previously overlooked in other surveys. By participating, you can help fill these knowledge gaps and contribute to more informed decisions about fishery management and conservation efforts.
The survey will run from July 17, 2024, through the end of October 2024. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in helping the research team understand and tackle the challenges posed by depredation.
We greatly appreciate your support as we strive to improve the management and sustainability of our beloved recreational fisheries. If you have experienced depredation while fishing, please take a few moments to share your experiences and contribute to this important research effort.
Join us in making a difference for the future of recreational fishing along the Atlantic coast. Together, we can ensure that our fisheries remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Submit your responses to the survey here or by scanning the QR code below!
