CNS Lab Conducts Comprehensive Survey on Anglers and Depredation

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Researchers from Dr. Andy Danylchuk’s lab in the College of Natural Sciences's Department of Environmental Conservation are conducting a survey targeting anglers (those who fish with hooks) from North Carolina to Maine, focused on depredation—when a hooked fish is taken by a larger predator. 

Led by PhD student Evan Prasky, the study aims to gather data on how often recreational anglers experience sharks, seals, birds, or other gamefish snatching their catch. Though other animals are involved, sharks seem to receive the majority of media attention when it comes to depredation:

“Unfortunately, the face of depredation is sharks. However, we are also exploring how common it is to see seals, dolphins, birds, and other fish are depredating. It could be any predator, any fish that is bigger than the fish you have...if you are fishing and a 10-to-15-foot shark is eating your bait near the boat, it’s like watching a lion eat a zebra. The sharks will slap the side of the boat and fight for it. It’s the greatest show in nature.”

— Evan Prasky to The Miami Herald

This survey has been covered by The Boston Herald, The Miami Herald, On The Water, and other outlets.