Scientists are teaming up with recreational anglers to find out more about three vulnerable shark species found around England: porbeagle, tope and blue sharks.
The three-year project, led by researchers at the University of Exeter with the Marine Biological Association, Angling Trust and Pat Smith Database, has received almost £1m from Natural England.
More than 40 shark species live in British waters, but researchers still know surprisingly little about many of them. Historical catch records, public sightings, DNA samples and electronic tags will help map where the three species feed, mate and migrate, while tracking changes in their numbers and distribution.
Anglers become citizen scientists
The project will draw on information from some of the UK’s three million recreational anglers. Many now measure live sharks before releasing them, and researchers will use tagging to assess how well the animals survive catch-and-release fishing.
Forty tags will stay on sharks for around 45 days, while a further 30 longer-lasting tags will record journeys and diving behaviour for about a year. The team will also hold workshops and speak to anglers from the south-west to the north-east of England.
Researchers say angler records provide a scale of information that scientists could not gather alone. The findings could show where sharks face greater risks from accidental capture and help guide future conservation work.
Why it matters for Britain
The project brings together universities, conservation organisations and fishing communities to improve knowledge of sharks in British waters. Better information on movements, survival and bycatch could help make conservation measures more targeted.
