Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

Shark depredation: a frustrating experience for fishermen in the Atlantic

by NOAA Fisheries 11 Jun 2024 06:41 PDT
Saltwater fishing boat with poles in the Gulf of Mexico near Alabama © NOAA Fisheries

Shark depredation is the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish by a shark directly from an angler's line before the line can be retrieved. It is a growing concern for recreational anglers.

NOAA Fisheries is taking steps to better understand the frequency of depredation events and the circumstances around these interactions.

Research shows several possible reasons for an increase in shark depredation.

  • More sharks: Populations of some shark species have recovered from overfishing thanks to NOAA Fisheries' conservation efforts under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
  • More anglers: Increasing numbers of anglers releasing more fish—possibly injured or dead—which can attract sharks.
  • Learned behavior: Some evidence suggests sharks can learn from previous interactions and begin to associate the sounds of fishing boats with easy meals.

It is important to consider that sharks are not the only animals capable of depredation. Dolphins, seals, groupers, and other large fish are all known to feed on anglers' catch. While sharks are easy to blame, they are not always the culprit.

Diving deeper with research

We are funding research into shark depredation in recreational fisheries. A recent study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University and Mississippi State University set out to:

  • Assess the extent of shark depredation in the southeastern United States, with a particular focus on Florida.
  • Identify the major depredating species and fisheries involved.
  • Understand how depredation shapes angler attitudes towards shark conservation and management.

Using social media data, angler surveys, and DNA analysis, researchers determined that there were distinct regional and seasonal differences in depredation probability. The highest probability occurred during the spring and summer seasons. There was a consistently high probability of depredation in the southeast and Florida Keys across all seasons.

Survey results also showed that angler perceptions of depredation were consistent with findings from other studies. Most respondents felt that depredation levels have stayed the same or increased in the past 5 years, and anglers who experienced depredation were less willing to support shark conservation efforts.

Most commonly depredated species

Overall, the study revealed the most commonly reported depredated species in Florida were:

  • Greater amberjack
  • Mutton snapper
  • King mackerel
  • Gag grouper
  • Sailfish

Species most frequently preying on catch

Using DNA swabs of shark-damaged fish collected by fishing charters, researchers identified sandbar sharks and bull sharks as the species most frequently preying on catch. This was consistent with what anglers in the Southeast reported in surveys and online.

Addressing depredation

Shark interactions with fisheries are complex and challenging. NOAA Fisheries is committed to better understanding and finding ways to minimize interactions. To this end, we're:

  • Conducting stock assessments on sandbar and bull sharks, the two species identified as the primary depredating species, in the coming years
  • Supporting research aimed at better understanding how anglers can better avoid depredation, including recently funded studies assessing shark deterrent technologies
  • Identifying effective ways to systematically monitor depredation, such as collecting data on these events as part of regular dockside surveys of anglers or through the use of mobile reporting apps

Related Articles

PredictWind launches PredictRain
New app From PredictWind delivers hyper-accurate, short-term rain predictions PredictRain is a groundbreaking standalone app that combines advanced AI modelling with intuitive tools to provide timely and precise rain forecasts for all types of outdoor activities. Posted today at 4:51 am
49er & 49erFX Junior Worlds champions crowned
One final race before the storm kicked in at Øresund The final day of the 2025 Junior World Championship delivered high drama and even higher waves. As wind and rain swept across the Øresund, Race Committees managed to run one final race before safety concerns forced an early end to the competition. Posted today at 4:43 am
Admiral's Cup: Emotional, Rare, Unforgettable
The 2025 Admirals' Cup set the stage for a bold new era in offshore racing Once the pinnacle of international offshore sailing, the return of the Admiral's Cup was a resounding success, setting the stage for a bold new era in offshire racing. Posted on 4 Aug
29er World Championship at Porto Day 2
The breeze never quite showed up but the action didn't stop Day two of the Porto World Championships began with hope—and strategy. With light winds in the forecast, the race committee scheduled an early start in anticipation of a short sea breeze window. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Aero World & Youth Worlds overall
The fine Brittany weather and afternoon sea breezes have provided excellent racing The stage was set for a dramatic final day showdown in Quiberon Bay, France, to decide the titles for the 7th RS Aero Worlds and 4th Youth Worlds. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Feva Worlds at Aix-les-Bains, France Overall
Crowning of our 2025 World Champions As our World Championships drew to a thrilling close on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation! Sailors and families were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their journey home. Posted on 4 Aug
ClubSwan 28 American Series launched
US-based regatta series unites high-performance design with competitive racing. Nautor Swan today announces the launch of the ClubSwan 28 American Series in collaboration with Terry Hutchinson and American Magic, a new high-performance racing circuit designed to ignite competitive sailing in the U.S. Posted on 4 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Safe Harbor Race Weekend starts Friday
Exciting racing, unforgettable shoreside festivities on tap Ever growing in popularity and caliber, the three-day Safe Harbor Race Weekend will host an impressive fleet of 73 boats on August 8 when it begins its fifth annual edition in Newport, R.I. Posted on 4 Aug
Tenerife Windsurf Grand Slam Day 3
Pierre Mortefon draws first blood after the wind fills in late After a couple of days of waiting for the wind, Day 3 eventually provided the goods to end the wait for some official competition as the Slalom X got under way during the early evening in 15-18 knots of wind. Posted on 4 Aug
Maritimo M600Rooster 2025North Sails Loft 57 Podcast