Florida's Shark Tagging Study !
Location: South Florida
Sharks are one of the oldest remaining predators to have lived on this planet. They have remained nearly unchanged for millions of years. They are the absolute apex predator of our oceans. However, within the recent decades, shark decline has been so extensive, many species are dwindling down to nothing. Longline and Commercial boats along with illegal finning activity have taken its toll on these great creatures. There are places where sharks are still fairly abundant, and still very misunderstood. Florida has a large populations of sharks that roam the coastal waters.
Florida International University
Based in Miami, FIU has a vast extensive Marine programs that performs research all around the globe. Their coastal studies are very important and play a roll in understanding our local marine ecosystems.
The Waterman's Journal is very pleased to have Marine Scientist Kirk Gastrich of FIU to share a few photos of their normal tagging prodedure.
Below: A Bull Shark is brought up and subdued along side the boat. Notice the Circle Hook and Mono Leader.
Tagging is very important within the research. Tags allow for recorderd data of the specimen at time of capture. In the event a fish is recapture, they can compare the data and see how long the shark was at liberty for, the distance traveled, and the growth during that period.
Below: The dorsal fin of the shark is being prepped for the tag by the researchers.
Below: A look at the shark with inserted tag.
Some tagging studies such as this particular one performed by the FIU require blood samples from sufficient specimens.
Below: Researches have to be very careful during this procedure and have to get the shark to remain calm
Below: After all the business is done, the unharmed shark is released
Due to the populations of Bulls, Lemons, and Nurse sharks in the area, it is often fairly easy to get a specimen to tag. Bull Sharks are a great species to study due to their large size, appetite, and abundance. The Bull Shark is one of the only sharks that can actively live in fresh water for an extended amount of time. Lemon Sharks also cruise these inshore waters and these shallow mangroves provide an effective breeding grown.
Below: Being careful, the researches manuever another shark around the boat.
Below: Another solid hookset in the corner of the jaw.
Below: More blood samples being extracted from this shark
Below: Up close and personal, research to understanding the apex predator of the ocean.
Below: A large Lemon Shark gets tagged.
While Bulls and Lemons are your more abundant predatory species found inshore in Florida waters, the chances for Hammerheads and Tigers remain as the follow food patterns such as migrating Tarpon. South Florida will hold at times a population of some of the largest Greater Hammerheads around. They time their arrival perfectly as they the Tarpon in gather in various passes for breeding.
Below: A larger surprise awaits for the researchers.
We would like to thank Kirk Gastrich for the opportunity in sharing with us these great photos. Their work and research on sharks has a great value in science, and will help us better understand sharks and their species over time. While we can undue the depletion of current stocks, research like this may help in preserving the species we do have left. The next mission for the team of FIU is an extensive study down in Shark Bay, Australia. Check back in with the Waterman's Journal for a future report on the Tigers and other predatory sharks they will be studying.
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