Responsible Shark, Skate & Ray Angling

Shark, skate and ray (Chondrichthyan) populations around the world are decreasing rapidly for almost every species. Scientists have warned about this decline for many years, and more recently anglers have noticed a significant drop in catch rates and the maximum size of specimens caught. Previously, it was a common perception that their populations were large and able to handle fishing pressure, but we now know that this isn’t the case. More than 185 species of Chondrichthyans are known to occur in South African waters, of which 15 species are endemic to our coastline. They are vulnerable to exploitation due to their slow growth, late age at maturity and small litter sizes. In terms of their global conservation status, more than a quarter of all sharks, skates and rays that occur in South African waters are “regarded as threatened in terms of the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Of these, 37 are regarded as Vulnerable, four as Endangered and six as Critically Endangered. A further 34 species (18%) are regarded as Near Threatened” (Government Gazette 38607). The philosophy of “catch and release” is not new to shark, skate and ray anglers, many of whom have been practicing it for years, but recent research has revealed worrying rates of post-release mortality (death) in several species. This is a result of internal and external injury as well as physiological stress from catching and handling the animals. A 2006 study conducted by Matt Dicken on 3471 Ragged Tooth sharks showed that after just 10 minutes of handling, almost one in five (20%) of adult sharks died after being released. The main reasons for post-release mortality include injuries resulting from gaffing and handling, fishing location and gear type. Incorrect handling of sharks, skates and rays will lead to irreparable damage to gills, spiracles and commonly to the spinal column. Chondrichthyans are cartilaginous fish without any bones for structural support and as such, dragging or lifting them incorrectly (they have no rib cage) will lead to damage and post -release mortality. The number one rule is to never lift a shark, skate or ray by its tail and even simply holding some flatfish by their tails can easily damage them. Use of carbon steel circle hooks is recommended because stainless steel and coated hooks last for a long time before they rust out. Never use a gaff for any reason, rather keep them in the water next to the boat (or in shallow water) by holding the pectoral fins and using a tail restraint. Anglers should only in-board sharks of less than 1.5m when required and support them properly while handling them on a soft surface with a wet cloth covering their eyes. Measure the fish fast and release it as soon as possible, keeping photographs to a minimum. When releasing animals, face them into the water current, hold them until they regain their strength and ensure that they are swimming well once released. Ideally you should always plan your shark fishing trips in advance. Go out with another angler whenever possible to assist with ethical handling of fish and choose a location where you can easily and safely land them (always carry a towel or stretcher if you plan to lift larger animals). You can also do some research into the biology of the species you are targeting; for example, it is not good practice to target breeding fish and so on. By following these guidelines, we can all make a difference to the post-release survival of our precious Chondrichthyans. * Guy Paulet is the Shark Academy Programme Manager of the South African Shark Conservancy. DO NOT: Lift fish or drag them solely by their tails;Touch gills, spiracles or nostrils;Ever use a Gaff;Use J-hooks or Stainless steel or tin-plated hooks;In-board fish unnecessarily;Keep the animals out of the water for long. DO: Lift the fish by supporting the stomach and securing the tail;Use de-barbed carbon steel circle hooks only;Use heavy tackle to reduce fight time;Use a hook remover and always cut the line on deeply hooked animals; Release fish at the boat where necessary.