Search

Three Odontaspis ferox (confirmed by mtDNA barcoding) were found in the English Channel and Celtic Sea in 2023 at Lepe, UK (50.7846, −1.3508), Kilmore Quay, Ireland (52.1714, −6.5937), and Lyme Bay, UK (50.6448, −2.9302). These are the first records of O. ferox in either country, and extend the species' range by over three degrees of latitude, to >52° N. They were ~275 (female), 433 (female), and 293 cm (male) total length, respectively. These continue a series of new records, possibly indicative of a climate change−induced shift in the species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the abundance of sharks in the world's oceans has decreased due to overexploitation by commercial fisheries. Over this same period, sharks have been increasingly targeted for sport by recreational anglers. "Catch-and-release" (C&R) angling, where sharks are released alive after capture, has been proposed, and in some situations, mandated as a conservation measure in recreational fisheries. In C&R fisheries, anglers are encouraged to follow best practices, each with the goal of maximising post-release survivorship (PRS) of angled fish. Here for sharks, we review C&R global best practices and the science underpinning them. Despite shark C&R fishing being practiced globally, peer-reviewed research into post-release survivorship is limited to just twelve studies for eight species (Lamniformes, n = 3; Carcharhiniformes, n = 5). PRS in studies ranged from 56% to 100%. Identifying causes for decreased PRS (i.e. mortality) was challenging for studies due to low sample sizes. Of the factors investigated, candidate best practices included: (1) using non-stainless steel circle hooks, (2) not removing sharks from the water, (3) reviving sharks prior to release, and (4) minimising time spent freeing the shark by removing the hook or cutting the line. With the conservation status of many sharks declining, more research is needed to strengthen the scientific basis for these practices to ensure that PRS in C&R is maximised. [Display omitted] • Despite wide practice of Catch and Release (C&R), research into the survivorship of sharks post-release is limited to twelve studies. • Existing studies often don't consider the entire C&R process and are comprised of limited sample sizes. • Research suggests that fight times did not negatively influence post-release survivorship (PRS) but hooking (type and location) does. • Research into handling (release method and boarding) as well as sex-specific effects of C&R angling is lacking. • Collaboration is key identifying C&R impacts for more shark species and habitats, and in to defining and implementing techniques that maximise PRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]