For the last four years Manx Wildlife Trust has run a Small Shark Tagging (SST) programme where experienced anglers can get involved in marine conservation by tagging caught sharks.
The SST Programme has been running since May 2013, at the request of DEFA. Tope and other small elasmobranches (sharks, rays and skates) are considered highly vulnerable to overexploitation, as they have slow growth rates, relatively low fecundity and a long reproductive cycle. Therefore they are at risk globally and are protected in many jurisdictions. However little is known about these species in our territorial waters. The project aims to work with local anglers to tag small sharks and rays with identification tags or streamers, on a catch and release basis. The data are hoped to provide much needed information on the distribution and numbers of these small shark populations, and their economic importance. This information will provide evidence-based data for the future management of these species and the best ways to protect them.
To date 40 anglers have been trained with over one hundred sharks tagged, including tope, bull huss and spurdog. None of the individuals captured through our programme have been recaptured but the more individuals tagged the more likely this is to happen. However our anglers have recaptured individuals from other programmes including programmes run by Cefas and the Scottish shark tagging programme.
The SST programme is running again this year and is pleased to say Amie Williams from the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme is coming over to run the training this year. There will be a theory session on Friday 16th June at 7pm at DEFA training room at Thie Slieau Whallian, St Johns. Where anglers can learn how to land and tag the sharks safely. On Saturday there will be a practical session to demonstrate the skills learned at the theory session. This will take place out of Port St Mary. The trip will run from 2-6pm. Saturday will also see the launch of the tagging competition where trained anglers can compete with each other to tag as many sharks as they can. Anglers will need to register with Lara Howe the marine officer before Friday 16th June at 5pm. Sunday 18th there will be a fishing trip between 10-2pm to give anglers another chance to catch and tag lots of sharks. Only anglers who have undertaken the training can enter the competition, either in previous years or this year. The winner will received two tickets for a fishing trip with Gemini Charter. Existing anglers are welcome to come along again to refresh their skills if they want.
This programme would not be possible if it wasn’t for the help from our anglers so MWT would like to thank all the anglers who have already helped to collect this important data. If you are a keen angler and think it’s something you might like to be involved in, please contact the Marine Officer, Lara Howe, at lara@manxwt.org.uk for more information or to book a space.
