The tax man. The man in the gray suit. Both monikers have been used lately to describe being “sharked.” Fisheries scientists refer to being “sharked” as depredation, formally defined as the partial or complete removal of a captured species by a shark. Twenty years ago, this term was unfamiliar to most; unfortunately, most anglers today have personally experienced depredation, and insist that something be done.
In response to stakeholder outcry, on June 12, 2023, U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (Republican from Virginia), Darren Soto (Democrat from Florida), Garret Graves (Republican from Louisiana) and Marc Veasey (Democrat from Texas) introduced the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act (H.R. 4051). The primary goal of this legislation is to establish a task force of fisheries managers and shark experts responsible for improving coordination and communication on shark depredation across the fisheries management community.
Fortunately, researchers at Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) have already taken an active role in characterizing shark depredation in the Gulf. For example, MASGC scientists have identified molecular tools that can identify depredating shark species based on trace amounts of DNA recovered from the remains of the depredated fish. In addition, MASGC scientists have convened a workshop of Gulf charter captains designed to gather their expert knowledge on depredation hotspots and potential ways depredation can be reduced. Additional depredation-related projects, including testing deterrent devices, are currently underway.
Shark depredation is a complex issue, and managing this interaction will require innovative approaches. As we move beyond characterizing and reducing depredation, future studies should focus on managing depredation. Ultimately, our success in managing shark depredation will depend on the degree to which we successfully engage with and educate stakeholders.
Meet the author
(J.) Marcus Drymon, Ph.D.
Marine Fisheries Extension Lead
Marcus is a marine fisheries ecologist, and his research interests are in applied fisheries ecology. The bulk of his research has focused on coastal sharks. He works on many commercially and... Read more
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