WEBVTT 00:08.541 --> 00:11.344 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Some people love them. 00:11.444 --> 00:13.146 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% They're beautiful and amazing. 00:13.246 --> 00:18.385 align:left position:70% line:89% size:20% They're one of the coolest things in the ocean. 00:18.485 --> 00:21.154 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Some people fear them. 00:21.254 --> 00:25.725 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% Terrifying, absolutely terrifying. 00:25.825 --> 00:32.265 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% But one thing is for certain, sharks have long captured the imagination of people around 00:32.365 --> 00:34.067 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% the world. 00:34.167 --> 00:39.672 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Decades of negative media coverage focused primarily on shark attacks have given the 00:39.773 --> 00:46.880 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% animals a bad reputation, but a growing understanding of their vital role in the ecosystem, combined 00:46.980 --> 00:54.921 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% with a new focus on safe encounters have begun to change their image. 00:55.021 --> 01:00.160 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% We ve gone through this really big shift. 01:00.260 --> 01:06.900 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% I need to get rid of the sharks to I need to save the sharks. 01:07.000 --> 01:12.605 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Despite increased protections of sharks, many populations are still threatened, and some 01:12.705 --> 01:18.778 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% experts say it s not just commercial exploitation that is having an impact. 01:18.878 --> 01:22.048 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Recreational fishing could sometimes go under the radar because it's thought it s really 01:22.148 --> 01:27.287 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% small scale and negligible because it's just one person with a rod and one hook as compared 01:27.387 --> 01:30.957 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% to commercial fishing where a single boat can have thousands of hooks. 01:31.057 --> 01:37.797 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% But if you have millions of people with one hook, you can still have a big impact. 01:37.897 --> 01:44.471 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Shark fishing from beaches, piers, and bridges is an increasingly popular activity in parts 01:44.571 --> 01:51.277 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% of the United States and scientists are finding that despite good intentions, catch and release 01:51.377 --> 01:55.048 align:left position:85% line:89% size:5% doesn t guarantee the fish survives. 01:55.148 --> 02:00.954 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% If the sharks are actually dying after release, we may be looking at a bigger impact than 02:01.054 --> 02:06.059 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% the commercial fisheries on shark populations in the United States. 02:06.159 --> 02:11.831 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% To learn more, scientists in Florida are working closely with recreational anglers. 02:11.931 --> 02:15.902 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% The first thing we have in mind is the safety of the animal we're catching. 02:16.002 --> 02:17.504 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It's a sport for us. 02:17.604 --> 02:22.175 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% That sport is not complete unless we have the safe release of the animal. 02:22.275 --> 02:27.547 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Most anglers care about sharks, just as much as a marine scientist just in maybe a slightly 02:27.647 --> 02:29.048 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% different way. 02:29.149 --> 02:37.257 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% But all of us have to work together in order to save these animals. 02:37.357 --> 02:43.229 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% What impact does land-based fishing have on Florida s shark populations? 02:43.329 --> 02:49.736 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And how are scientists and anglers working together to protect these awe-inspiring animals 02:49.836 --> 03:13.726 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% from extinction? 03:13.826 --> 03:19.532 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Major funding for this program was provided by The Batchelor Foundation, encouraging people 03:19.632 --> 03:26.072 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% to preserve and protect America's underwater resources. 03:26.172 --> 03:32.045 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Additional funding was provided in loving memory of David G. Perrot, by the Perrot Family 03:32.145 --> 03:44.023 align:left position:82.5% line:89% size:7.5% Endowment for Environmental Education. 03:44.123 --> 03:58.738 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Dr. Neil Hammerschlag leads the Shark Research and Conservation Program at 03:58.838 --> 04:02.909 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% the University of Miami Rosenstiel School. 04:03.009 --> 04:12.118 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% In 2011, Neil and his students began investigating the impact of recreational angling on coastal 04:12.218 --> 04:19.092 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% species such as nurse, tiger, and great hammerhead sharks. 04:19.192 --> 04:24.364 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Florida is actually a recreational shark fishing hotspot. 04:24.464 --> 04:27.267 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% And many of these sharks are actually released because they're not intended to be eaten. 04:27.367 --> 04:34.707 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% The scientists wanted to find out why these seemingly 04:34.807 --> 04:40.980 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% powerful animals sometimes die after being released. 04:41.080 --> 04:49.656 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% So our team use a variety of different techniques to figure out the behavioral and physiological 04:49.756 --> 04:55.061 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% responses to sharks, to being captured on a line. 04:55.161 --> 05:01.534 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% To catch the sharks, the experts set baited lines that remained in the water for one hour, 05:01.634 --> 05:12.712 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% just enough time to attract sharks without subjecting the animals to additional stress. 05:12.812 --> 05:18.651 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% We would on our lines deploy hook timers that measure how long a shark was on the line once 05:18.751 --> 05:23.389 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% it bit the hook. 05:23.489 --> 05:27.927 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% The other thing we would do is we deployed something called an accelerometer on the lines 05:28.027 --> 05:29.829 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% themselves. 05:29.929 --> 05:36.102 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% The accelerometer measured the frequency and intensity of force a shark exerts on the line. 05:36.202 --> 05:39.572 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So when a shark bit the line, not only we know how long the shark is on the line, but 05:39.672 --> 05:42.842 align:left position:60% line:89% size:30% how hard they were fighting by using the accelerometer. 05:42.942 --> 05:46.512 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% When the shark was brought to the boat, we'd quickly take a blood sample and what we'd 05:46.612 --> 05:53.886 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% be looking for in their blood is various metrics that were associated with stress, this included 05:53.986 --> 05:56.055 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% glucose and lactate. 05:56.155 --> 06:01.160 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Glucose is actually telling us if sharks are mobilizing or breaking down energy stores 06:01.260 --> 06:07.333 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% into their blood to use it to fuel activity. 06:07.433 --> 06:12.138 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Lactate is similar to when humans produce lactic acid in their blood, which would give 06:12.238 --> 06:16.509 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% you like a stitch if you run too fast or you can t get enough oxygen to your blood when 06:16.609 --> 06:18.344 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% you re exercising. 06:18.444 --> 06:23.182 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Increased levels of lactate indicate that an animal is exerting itself and not getting 06:23.282 --> 06:25.952 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% enough oxygen. 06:26.052 --> 06:30.823 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% The researchers also recorded the behavior of the shark. 06:30.923 --> 06:32.158 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Did they look tired? 06:32.258 --> 06:35.528 align:left position:72.5% line:89% size:17.5% Were they biting down on the hose really hard? 06:35.628 --> 06:37.830 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% We also check their reflexes. 06:37.930 --> 06:41.834 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% Mostly sharks we work with have actually something called a nictitating membrane. 06:41.934 --> 06:45.271 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% When they feel pressure towards the eye, it lifts up to protect their eye. 06:45.371 --> 06:48.775 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And what we would do is actually squirt a little bit of water in the shark s eye. 06:48.875 --> 06:53.546 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% And what we found is that in some cases, sharks that were very stressed actually did not raise 06:53.646 --> 06:55.748 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% that membrane. 06:55.848 --> 06:58.951 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Also once they were released back in the water what was their disposition? 06:59.051 --> 07:03.423 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Did they swim up hard and vigorous, or were they swimming slowly? 07:03.523 --> 07:06.893 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Was it hard for them to maintain balance and orientation? 07:06.993 --> 07:12.765 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% The experts discovered that not all species of sharks react equally to being hooked on 07:12.865 --> 07:14.066 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% a line. 07:14.167 --> 07:17.370 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% For example, on one extreme, you have the nurse shark. 07:17.470 --> 07:21.140 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% When a nurse shark bit a line, it would pretty much just relax and sit on the bottom. 07:21.240 --> 07:24.777 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Didn't show any disruptions in their behavior or their physiology. 07:24.877 --> 07:27.513 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% On the other extreme, you have the great hammerhead shark. 07:27.613 --> 07:30.950 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% When they bit a line, they would go crazy. 07:31.050 --> 07:32.552 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% In the middle, you have the black tip shark. 07:32.652 --> 07:35.555 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Where when a black tip bit a line, it would fight really hard. 07:35.655 --> 07:39.225 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And then when it tired, it would relax until it regained its strength. 07:39.325 --> 07:43.362 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And then it would fight a little hard again, and then it would relax. 07:43.463 --> 07:46.432 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% What we found out is that sharks that were fighting really, really hard, like the great 07:46.532 --> 07:50.937 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% hammerhead, had high levels of lactate in their blood, essentially their blood is becoming 07:51.037 --> 07:52.839 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% acidic. 07:52.939 --> 07:57.009 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% They also showed more like an impairment in terms of balance and orientation after release 07:57.109 --> 08:02.482 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% and these are the animals that exhibited post-release mortality. 08:02.582 --> 08:09.989 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Satellite tags used to record the movement of the sharks after being released revealed 08:10.089 --> 08:12.325 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% if the fish survived. 08:12.425 --> 08:16.696 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Our tracking work has shown us that these animals might die usually within the first 08:16.796 --> 08:23.069 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% two hours after release, but sometimes, up to 10 days or more after that encounter. 08:23.169 --> 08:29.141 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% These findings are significant given the population status of various species. 08:29.242 --> 08:34.313 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% While nurse and blacktip sharks are still relatively abundant, great hammerheads are 08:34.413 --> 08:41.821 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature s Red List. 08:41.921 --> 08:46.626 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% This is showing us that some species might make for good candidates for catch and release 08:46.726 --> 08:48.127 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% fishing. 08:48.227 --> 08:53.466 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And some species are not good candidates for catch release fishing. 08:53.566 --> 09:00.139 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Up the coast in Palm Beach County, President of the American Shark Conservancy Hannah Medd 09:00.239 --> 09:06.078 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% is working directly with the angling community to understand the impacts of shore-based fishing 09:06.178 --> 09:08.748 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% on great hammerhead sharks. 09:08.848 --> 09:13.586 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% We were approached by a few members of the public when they had come across dead sharks 09:13.686 --> 09:16.255 align:left position:72.5% line:89% size:17.5% on the beach and they had a lot of questions. 09:16.355 --> 09:19.191 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% There was a few guesses. 09:19.292 --> 09:23.796 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And one of them was that they had died from being caught and handled by shore based shark 09:23.896 --> 09:25.665 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% fishermen. 09:25.765 --> 09:30.603 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% And it happened to coincide when a tournament was happening that incentivized anglers to 09:30.703 --> 09:32.471 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% catch the largest hammerhead. 09:32.572 --> 09:37.443 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% We started to kind of ask a lot of questions about shore-based shark fishing and realized 09:37.543 --> 09:41.514 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% there weren't a lot of answers. 09:41.614 --> 09:45.518 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Hannah reached out to the angling community to partner on the research. 09:45.618 --> 09:49.255 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% We were very nervous in like contacting these anglers. 09:49.355 --> 09:53.893 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% I feel like they were really cautious about working with scientists and, you know, definitely 09:53.993 --> 09:55.895 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% were a little defensive. 09:55.995 --> 10:00.466 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So we really wanted to make sure they knew this was a scientific study that we were very 10:00.566 --> 10:04.570 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% neutral and immediately, they were like, yeah, sure, come see what we do. 10:04.670 --> 10:07.139 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And from there, it's just sort of been word of mouth. 10:07.239 --> 10:10.810 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% I just think sharks in general are awesome. 10:10.910 --> 10:14.947 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Especially as a kid seeing sharks for the first time you become obsessed with them. 10:15.047 --> 10:18.718 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% I've caught every range of big game fish out there. 10:18.818 --> 10:23.022 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% And when you're talking about hooking a potentially a thousand-pound shark from the beach, it's 10:23.122 --> 10:24.624 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% much different than the boat. 10:24.724 --> 10:27.360 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Uh it's you it's solely you versus what's on the other end of that line. 10:27.460 --> 10:29.295 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And it can be very humbling. 10:29.395 --> 10:34.166 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% I think that's what gets it for a lot of people is, um, just feeling that powerless situation 10:34.266 --> 10:39.905 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% where you're attached to something that's much, much, much stronger than you. 10:40.006 --> 10:44.910 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Dan and Kaytlin are two of more than 50 anglers Hannah collaborates with. 10:45.011 --> 10:48.314 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% We'll have the rod and reel anchored to the beach in a PVC pipe. 10:48.414 --> 10:53.552 align:left position:72.5% line:89% size:17.5% And we'll use the kayak to bring out the bait. 10:53.653 --> 11:04.930 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% And then we just kind of lounge around waiting for a bite. 11:05.031 --> 11:08.567 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Once we get a bite, you'll hear a really loud screeching noise. 11:08.668 --> 11:10.269 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% [reel screeching] 11:10.369 --> 11:18.678 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% We get into the harness, buckle up, cross our fingers and just start cranking. 11:18.778 --> 11:26.218 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And you'll fight the shark to the beach..You have everyone with an assigned role. 11:26.318 --> 11:31.157 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% You either cut the hook out dehook it, get the shark oriented so it's not rolling around 11:31.257 --> 11:34.360 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% getting beat up. 11:34.460 --> 11:39.565 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Hannah records the length of the fight time - from when the reel goes off until the anglers 11:39.665 --> 11:41.901 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% have their hands on the shark. 11:42.001 --> 11:46.672 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Then from the time they have their hands on the shark to when they release it is considered 11:46.772 --> 11:48.541 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% handling time. 11:48.641 --> 11:52.144 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So those are the two main factors that we're looking at correlating with the fate of the 11:52.244 --> 11:57.316 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% shark. 11:57.416 --> 12:01.787 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% The team works as quickly and safely as possible to collect data. 12:01.887 --> 12:07.393 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% In the case of hammerheads, Hannah also attaches satellite tags on the animals to see if they 12:07.493 --> 12:09.528 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% survive after having been caught. 12:09.628 --> 12:15.167 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% One of the things I've learned more with working with Hannah is the great hammerheads themselves, 12:15.267 --> 12:17.103 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% um, and how they deal with stress. 12:17.203 --> 12:21.774 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% And so the fact that sometimes they get stressed a little more easy, just kind of blew my mind 12:21.874 --> 12:26.712 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% that something that big and crazy powerful can, can get hurt from being stressed. 12:26.812 --> 12:32.017 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So it kinda made me want to learn more about this research project to hopefully make us 12:32.118 --> 12:33.352 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% better anglers. 12:33.452 --> 12:36.288 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And just to try to spread the word around the community. 12:36.388 --> 12:40.593 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% I fear a lot of people will see videos of shark fishing and say, oh, I can do that . 12:40.693 --> 12:45.664 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And come out here, not completely equipped to handle what could happen and people get 12:45.765 --> 12:47.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% hurt, sharks don't live. 12:47.666 --> 12:51.937 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% It s not just taking that awesome picture on the beach with a huge animal. 12:52.037 --> 12:55.741 align:left position:67.5% line:89% size:22.5% It's making sure that everything's done properly. 12:55.841 --> 13:02.715 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% In addition to the field work, Hannah and her research partner Jill Brooks sent surveys 13:02.815 --> 13:10.256 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% to over 14-thousand shore-based shark anglers to analyze their motivations, fishing practices, 13:10.356 --> 13:11.891 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and economic impact. 13:11.991 --> 13:18.697 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So the majority of the respondents said that they practice catch and release. 13:18.798 --> 13:20.733 align:left position:80% line:89% size:10% They very, very rarely keep the sharks. 13:20.833 --> 13:24.470 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Um, and it will obviously depend on the shark that they catch. 13:24.570 --> 13:30.810 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So there are some that they're legally able to harvest, um, but it is limited. 13:30.910 --> 13:36.882 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Sometimes smaller sharks are actually used as bait to catch larger sharks. 13:36.982 --> 13:42.254 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% The study found that the fishery has grown in popularity since 2010. 13:42.354 --> 13:47.259 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Anglers are catching tens of thousands of sharks, and the activity is likely contributing 13:47.359 --> 13:54.533 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% tens of millions of dollars to the state s economy both figures that surprised the 13:54.633 --> 13:56.402 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% scientists. 13:56.502 --> 14:00.973 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% The surveys also revealed that the majority of anglers expressed an interest in learning 14:01.073 --> 14:04.176 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% how to increase shark survival. 14:04.276 --> 14:09.281 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% We've gotten pushback from people in the conservation community that are horrified that we're working 14:09.381 --> 14:10.649 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% with anglers. 14:10.749 --> 14:12.551 align:left position:70% line:89% size:20% But we just stick to the point, it's happening. 14:12.651 --> 14:15.020 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% They're fishing, whether we want them to or not. 14:15.120 --> 14:18.557 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% And this information is not going to get collected on its own. 14:18.657 --> 14:19.992 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But so what size hook is it? 14:20.092 --> 14:21.360 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% A 10/0. 14:21.460 --> 14:23.195 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Ok. 14:23.295 --> 14:28.334 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% When we say, okay, scientists are going to go find out things about shark populations, 14:28.434 --> 14:33.138 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% and then they're going to tell anglers what to do it's not a model that works well. 14:33.239 --> 14:40.412 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% Standing by for anchor when you re ready. 14:40.512 --> 14:47.086 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Dr. Catherine Macdonald heads the Miami-based Field School and is a lecturer at the University 14:47.186 --> 14:53.425 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% of Miami Rosenstiel School specializing in shark ecology and conservation. 14:53.525 --> 14:59.498 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Engaging anglers in the regulatory process is one of the best ways to ensure that they 14:59.598 --> 15:01.333 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% feel heard. 15:01.433 --> 15:05.104 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And they understand why the rules are being made the way they are and perceive them as 15:05.204 --> 15:07.673 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% reasonable and legitimate. 15:07.773 --> 15:12.244 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Collaborative community-based management is vital to develop conservation solutions that 15:12.344 --> 15:13.245 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% actually work. 15:13.345 --> 15:16.181 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% Uh, thanks for being here tonight. 15:16.282 --> 15:18.150 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Appreciate y all joining us. 15:18.250 --> 15:25.791 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% In 2018 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC, held a series of public 15:25.891 --> 15:32.331 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% meetings online and in person on pending regulations for land-based shark fishing. 15:32.431 --> 15:37.202 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Landing in legal definition is as she said reduced to harvest. 15:37.303 --> 15:39.805 align:left position:72.5% line:89% size:17.5% The online comments were much more polarized. 15:39.905 --> 15:44.410 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And then when you brought people together to discuss this, the shared value that they 15:44.510 --> 15:47.947 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% place on healthy shark populations was much clearer. 15:48.047 --> 15:53.185 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% And in general, even where they disagreed either about the science or about the values 15:53.285 --> 15:57.556 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% and regulations that should follow from those values they were much less likely to kind 15:57.656 --> 15:59.391 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of try to demonize each other. 15:59.491 --> 16:02.861 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% They were much more willing to acknowledge that the other side might also have a point. 16:02.962 --> 16:07.132 align:left position:82.5% line:83% size:7.5% If you re chumming, you re feeding in the argument. 16:07.232 --> 16:08.567 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% You re attracting sharks toward the beach. 16:08.667 --> 16:12.571 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So that overall hurts our purpose more than it helps. 16:12.671 --> 16:15.574 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% I spoke at a lot of those meetings that FWC was having. 16:15.674 --> 16:20.012 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% There's guys that have been shark fishing from land for several years that all showed 16:20.112 --> 16:25.050 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% up to these meetings to give their input because it makes a big difference how you catch these 16:25.150 --> 16:26.919 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% sharks. 16:27.019 --> 16:33.559 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% The meetings resulted in new FWC regulations put into place in 2019, which require a free 16:33.659 --> 16:36.362 align:left position:82.5% line:89% size:7.5% permit to fish for sharks from shore. 16:36.462 --> 16:42.468 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% So it's, in addition to your saltwater fishing license, you have to go through a short course 16:42.568 --> 16:49.942 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% about shore-based shark fishing, identifying sharks, what the new regulations look like, 16:50.042 --> 16:54.346 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% and some good tips and insights into what equipment to have with you. 16:54.446 --> 17:01.887 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, they're all on the prohibited species list and must 17:01.987 --> 17:04.356 align:left position:72.5% line:89% size:17.5% remain with their gills covered in the water. 17:04.456 --> 17:11.363 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% There is a line in the regulations that basically says angler safety sort of supersedes any 17:11.463 --> 17:14.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the other regulations. 17:14.767 --> 17:16.635 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Some consider that a loophole. 17:16.735 --> 17:20.806 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Having been out there, I do consider it a safety measure. 17:20.906 --> 17:27.679 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% The regulations also require the use of specific types of gear that will increase the sharks 17:27.780 --> 17:28.914 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% survival. 17:29.014 --> 17:31.683 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% You need to be using circle hooks. 17:31.784 --> 17:33.919 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Sharks swallow their food whole. 17:34.019 --> 17:38.924 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% So if it takes the whole bait as that's coming out of, it's a digestive tract. 17:39.024 --> 17:43.162 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% If it's a J hook it'll hook on the stomach, on the throat, in the gills. 17:43.262 --> 17:46.498 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% If it's a circle hook, it will hook in the jaw right in the side of the mouth. 17:46.598 --> 17:51.904 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% So it's easy to cut out, much easier for the animal to recover from that. 17:52.004 --> 17:55.274 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% You need to have gear on hand to remove those hooks. 17:55.374 --> 18:00.079 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Additionally, the anglers must use non-stainless steel hooks. 18:00.179 --> 18:02.915 align:left position:82.5% line:89% size:7.5% So things that are meant to rust out. 18:03.015 --> 18:07.619 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So if you can't remove your gear, for some reason, that that will disintegrate in the 18:07.719 --> 18:10.322 align:left position:80% line:89% size:10% ocean much faster than stainless steel. 18:10.422 --> 18:13.158 align:left position:80% line:89% size:10% All of those are really great measures. 18:13.258 --> 18:17.062 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So we're not getting rid of shark fishing, but we are making it so that if it's happening, 18:17.162 --> 18:23.202 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% we're not doing damage, we're releasing those animals in better condition. 18:23.302 --> 18:29.541 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Along with the new regulations, the experts believe educational outreach on best practices 18:29.641 --> 18:33.812 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% will increase the fish s post-release survival rates. 18:33.912 --> 18:41.086 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Of the 14 great hammerhead sharks Hannah tagged as of February 2021 while working with responsible 18:41.186 --> 18:45.858 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% anglers, only one died after being released. 18:45.958 --> 18:52.331 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Jill and Hannah s research shows that with the appropriate gear and experience, along 18:52.431 --> 18:58.103 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% with shorter fight and handling times, shore-based shark fishing may not be as detrimental to 18:58.203 --> 19:07.346 align:left position:80% line:89% size:10% great hammerheads as previously thought. 19:07.446 --> 19:20.993 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% The unintentional negative effects of recreational angling not only harm sharks, but also their 19:21.093 --> 19:28.734 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% close relatives, the manta rays. 19:28.834 --> 19:38.177 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So manta rays are the largest rays in the ocean. 19:38.277 --> 19:40.245 align:left position:87.5% line:89% size:2.5% They're large filter feeding rays. 19:40.345 --> 19:45.217 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And they're distinguishable by the two fins on the side of their head, which are known 19:45.317 --> 19:50.189 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% as cephalic fins. 19:50.289 --> 19:56.061 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation s Florida Manta Project Jessica Pate is the 19:56.161 --> 20:01.934 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% first to study the elusive manta rays in southeastern Florida. 20:02.034 --> 20:07.706 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Jessica discovered the region is a potential manta ray nursery, but one that is threatened 20:07.806 --> 20:11.210 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% by human activity. 20:11.310 --> 20:20.686 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% In 2018 in the United States, manta rays were listed under the endangered species act as 20:20.786 --> 20:22.921 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% a threatened species. 20:23.021 --> 20:26.358 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% And it's illegal to capture them in Florida. 20:26.458 --> 20:33.065 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% But despite these new protections, the charismatic animals are still feeling an impact. 20:33.165 --> 20:39.371 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% Over a quarter of the mantas Jessica has surveyed are entangled in fishing line. 20:39.471 --> 20:42.474 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% Recreational fishing can have a lot of different impacts on manta rays. 20:42.574 --> 20:46.745 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% We see manta rays with hooks in their skin. 20:46.845 --> 20:51.116 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Depending on how much line is there, the manta rays, when they feed, will do this barrel 20:51.216 --> 20:55.887 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% rolling technique and the line gets wrapped around their body when they do that. 20:55.988 --> 20:59.157 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% I've also seen it wrapped around their cephalic fin. 20:59.258 --> 21:03.061 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% One of the manta rays we saw last year, it was a female who had fishing line wrapped 21:03.161 --> 21:04.630 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% around her cephalic fin. 21:04.730 --> 21:08.066 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% We saw her again this year and that cephalic fin is gone. 21:08.166 --> 21:17.342 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% So this is gonna affect her ability to feed. 21:17.442 --> 21:23.715 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% To increase awareness, Jessica is collaborating with the Field School s Dr. Julia Wester. 21:23.815 --> 21:30.289 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% We surveyed 200 recreational fishermen at popular fishing piers and inlet jetties in 21:30.389 --> 21:31.657 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Palm Beach County. 21:31.757 --> 21:35.394 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% We found very few people would want to target a manta ray. 21:35.494 --> 21:40.232 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% A couple of people expressed interest in wanting to fight one, just because it's something 21:40.332 --> 21:45.837 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% big and exciting, but in general, most people realize that it's going to take their fishing 21:45.937 --> 21:53.011 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% gear or they thought they were really cool and beautiful and just wanted to let them 21:53.111 --> 21:54.246 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% pass. 21:54.346 --> 21:56.915 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% Only about half of them could identify a manta ray. 21:57.015 --> 22:01.420 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% They can more easily identify it when looking at a picture under water versus looking at 22:01.520 --> 22:02.654 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% a picture from the top. 22:02.754 --> 22:05.691 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% Cause of the things on its face is how I can tell. 22:05.791 --> 22:11.897 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% The overwhelming majority of them thought that if manta rays are endangered and in need 22:11.997 --> 22:15.934 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% of protection, that we should protect them, that they should be conserved and that the 22:16.034 --> 22:18.303 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% environment is important. 22:18.403 --> 22:26.178 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% So what that tells me is this is a group that has the same values that I do about conserving 22:26.278 --> 22:28.046 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% the ocean. 22:28.146 --> 22:33.018 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% We just need to make sure that they have the right tools and the right information to act 22:33.118 --> 22:34.920 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% on those values. 22:35.020 --> 22:41.660 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% And the best way to do that is to not treat them like they're the bad guys in this story, 22:41.760 --> 22:43.829 align:left position:75% line:89% size:15% because there are no bad guys in the story. 22:43.929 --> 22:51.203 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% There's just us. 22:51.303 --> 22:56.541 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% Using the data gathered from the surveys, the experts designed educational signs to 22:56.641 --> 23:00.645 align:left position:85% line:89% size:5% post at piers in Palm Beach County. 23:00.746 --> 23:06.351 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% These signs include information on what gear to use, how to identify a manta, and how to 23:06.451 --> 23:09.688 align:left position:70% line:89% size:20% report a sighting to the Florida Manta Project. 23:09.788 --> 23:14.393 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% We will be doing a follow up survey to see if these signs are effective. 23:14.493 --> 23:20.098 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% So we'll go back and ask the fishermen the same question and see if their knowledge has 23:20.198 --> 23:25.704 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% increased because before the vast majority of fishermen didn't know that manta rays were 23:25.804 --> 23:31.243 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% endangered, that they were a protected species in Florida or anything about them really. 23:31.343 --> 23:38.016 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% And we'll also quantify the amount of fishing line we see on the manta rays and see if that's 23:38.116 --> 23:41.520 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% actually changing and we're noticing an effect and hopefully we'll see a reduction of fishing 23:41.620 --> 23:44.623 align:left position:77.5% line:89% size:12.5% line interactions on the young manta rays. 23:44.723 --> 23:51.463 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% I hope that manta rays, being the unique animals they are will make people look at fish a little 23:51.563 --> 23:59.704 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% bit differently. 23:59.805 --> 24:07.245 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% Recreational fishing is just one of many activities threatening the survival of sharks and rays. 24:07.345 --> 24:13.218 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% While their motivations may differ, the scientists and anglers involved in the research agree 24:13.318 --> 24:21.293 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% that working together is key to the long-term survival of the species they all love. 24:21.393 --> 24:30.268 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% At first I had a pretty, you know, single-minded, uh, perspective of shark fishing. 24:30.368 --> 24:32.103 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I definitely didn't like it. 24:32.204 --> 24:36.908 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% I didn't want to see it, but once I realized it was legal and we didn't know that much 24:37.008 --> 24:39.511 align:left position:85% line:89% size:5% about it, I kind of set that aside. 24:39.611 --> 24:44.049 align:left position:70% line:83% size:20% And it definitely shattered some misperceptions I had about shark fishing. 24:44.149 --> 24:47.986 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% I think conservation is one of the most important things we can do. 24:48.086 --> 24:51.423 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% As a fisherman in general, you need to take care of your source. 24:51.523 --> 24:57.028 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% I want my kids, my grandkids, I want them to be able to do this. 24:57.128 --> 25:03.268 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% The narrative that it's these bad fishermen or these bad anglers that are the problem 25:03.368 --> 25:10.976 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% for sharks is not only not true because they are a potentially really important ally for 25:11.076 --> 25:15.680 align:left position:72.5% line:83% size:17.5% us in trying to protect our natural resources in Florida. 25:15.780 --> 25:21.286 align:left position:77.5% line:83% size:12.5% But also if you think that the problem is somebody else, then you don't look at your 25:21.386 --> 25:22.420 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% own impacts. 25:22.521 --> 25:23.822 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And really it's all of us. 25:23.922 --> 25:25.090 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% It's everything. 25:25.190 --> 25:26.791 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It's water quality. 25:26.892 --> 25:28.527 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% It's restoring ecosystems. 25:28.627 --> 25:30.529 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It's climate change. 25:30.629 --> 25:34.629 align:left position:75% line:83% size:15% It's all of it together that's going to get it done.