LONELY AT THE TOP. PHOTO: SAM ROOT
SHALL WE
DANCE? Sharks, no matter the species or size, are dangerous and powerful predators capable of ripping flesh and crushing bones. Hollywood has portrayed sharks as villains, commercial fishermen have put enormous pressure on their popula- tions and recreational fishermen have slaughtered sharks to rid the water of these “man eaters.” Most sharks are apex predators
that play a critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem. According to Brent Winner, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shark specialist, negative impacts on shark populations dramati- cally affect all levels of a marine ecosys- tem. For example, with fewer predators, populations of prey fish can explode throwing the system out of balance. Winner explains that sharks are es-
pecially susceptible to overfishing be- cause some species take up to 20 years to mature and have very few pups. He adds that global shark populations are declining. “Recent studies have shown decreases greater than 70 percent for many economically important species,” he says. Fortunately, scientists are gaining a
greater understanding of these myste- rious predators. Karyl Bresters-Geiz, a fisheries management specialist at the National Marine Fisheries Service, stresses the importance of practicing catch and release. He urges anglers to learn how to correctly identify shark species and adhere to harvest limits. “Many species, such as common bulls and rare dusky sharks, look alike,” Brent advises, adding that, “while shark fishing is a fun and exciting recreation, current regulations are quite restrictive and designed to protect, sustain and rebuild shark populations.” Should anglers fish for sharks? Both
scientists agree that as long as fisher- men follow the regulations and treat sharks with respect, there is no harm in targeting these amazing creatures.
34 …KAYAK ANGLER SUMMER/FALL 2012
TROPHY SHARKS LURK JUST BEYOND THE BREAKERS. PHOTO: JOSE CHAVEZ
SHARK HUNT! TURN THE TABLES ON AN APEX PREDATOR
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