Western Australia's fishers are invited to have input into a national online survey to capture their experience with shark depredation of hooked fish.
There's been growing concern about shark depredation, where sharks remove or damage fish caught on recreational or commercial fishing gear, before the fish can be landed.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been working closely with Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to support the this nationally significant shark depredation project. The project is funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government and aims to find the most effective mitigation methods and potential solutions.
The national online survey is now open to document fisher experiences with shark depredation, current methods to reduce sharks taking catches and seeking potential new solutions. The survey is open until August 15th and can be accessed via the Western Australian link, hosted by Edith Cowan University at SHARK25A .
All of the data collected will be used for research purposes only and retained for a period of two years after completion of the project. Any information fishers provide will be kept strictly confidential.
DPIRD Principal Research Scientist Gary Jackson said the survey aimed to capture a diverse and representative range of fishers to share their experiences.
"We have directly asked for assistance from peak bodies in WA, fishing clubs and other key stakeholders, and we greatly appreciate their assistance in encouraging participation in such an important survey," Dr Jackson said.
"Ongoing shark depredation research in WA is reliant on survey data provided by fishers.
"Shark depredation is not only a problem in Australia, but also an issue internationally."
Earlier this year, the result of a study published in the Journal of Marine Science found that snapper and grouper species were the most frequently targeted fish species off the south east coast of the United States, and that bull sharks and sandbar sharks were the most commonly identified as depredating species.
"The national survey in Australia is an important step forward in understanding the extent of shark depredation here," Dr Jackson added. "Feedback from Australian fishers will gather valuable data that its hoped will help deliver more effective fisheries management."
More information about the FRDC shark depredation project is available at reviewing solutions to reduce fisher interactions with elasmobranchs | FRDC
