By Austin Gallagher
Sharks are critically important to the state of Florida – both in terms of socio-economics through the recreational fishing industry, and also fundamentally as apex predators in our coastal marine ecosystems.
Over the last two years, it has been an honor to contribute a monthly column to Coastal Angler Magazine that was based on these two guiding principles, while also communicating aspects of real scientific research and commentary related to sharks to Florida’s angling community. I greatly look forward to continuing this exciting outreach and interaction. But now I need your help.
I am currently researching the risks that face the shark populations in Florida waters, and I am very interested in obtaining the expertise and beliefs of fishers. To better understand this topic, I am conducting a survey of recreational anglers in the state of Florida. The survey will characterize your fishing style and interactions with sharks, and provide anglers the chance to voice their opinions on the future of management for sharks in Florida. The survey is very short and will take around 3 minutes, but angler participation is key to its success.
The survey is online and can be found here – please type the following URL into your internet browser:
http://sgiz.mobi/s3/sharks.
All anglers who participate in the survey will also be entered into a raffle to win one of several exciting prize packages that include fishing rods, reels, clothes, and more! Each survey participant will be kept completely anonymous. If interested, please send this survey to your friends who are anglers in Florida as well – we want to hear your thoughts!
Thank you in advance for your help and assistance – I look forward to continuing this column and continuing this excellent collaboration!
Austin Gallagher is a doctoral student at the University of Miami. He is also a wildlife photographer and filmmaker and his research on sharks is supported in part by Florida Sea Grant. He is a supporter of sustainable practices and catch and release sport fishing. For questions and to reach out, contact at sharksurveyfl@gmail.com.
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