Changing Seas

This November dive and ocean sport professionals from around the world gathered for the annual Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show in Orlando, Florida. The dive industry is becoming increasingly involved in marine science and conservation efforts and this year DEMA attendees had a chance to hear from experts during two educational presentations.

Impacts of Recreational Shark Fishing

American Shark Conservancy (ASC) Founder Hannah Medd and concerned citizen Jenna Knobbe presented on the impacts of recreational shark fishing. After finding multiple sharks washed up dead on South Florida beaches, ASC was inspired to research the impacts of recreational fishing on local shark populations.

One concern is that prohibited species are currently targeted by big fishing tournaments. So long as they release the animal, fishers can catch sharks, even if the species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This includes hammerheads, which are especially vulnerable to the stress of fighting on the line and being exposed to air when brought up on shore.

ASC theorizes that sharks caught from land experience significantly higher stress, and therefore higher chance of resulting mortality, than sharks caught from a boat. ASC is working with ethical anglers to estimate how many sharks die post release. The research project will also characterize fight times, analyze blood parameters to see stress levels, and determine best handling practices.

If you find a dead shark on the beach please take pictures and report via the FWC Fish Kill hotline (1-800-636-0511) or their online form at https://public.myfwc.com/FWRI/FishKillReport/Submit.aspx .

DEMA Lionfish Update: Lionfish Control and Markets – Are They Making a Difference?

During another well-attended panel, experts from the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), NOAA, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), DEMA and Whole Foods gave an update on the lionfish invasion. Experts advised against feeding lionfish to predators (such as sharks, barracuda, and eels) as this can be extremely dangerous to divers. Once predators associate divers with food, the animals can start acting aggressively towards people. DEMA Hall of Famer Peter Hughes presented cases of predators being fed lionfish which resulted in injuries to the animal that was fed.

Continuing the panel, NOAA’s Dr. Steve Gittings updated the audience on his research designing and testing various types of lionfish traps that could be used by commercial fishers to help mitigate the impact of the invasion. REEF’s Lad Akins spoke about ongoing research that has shown lionfish vocalize and how these vocalizations may lead to applied techniques for controlling and monitoring invasive populations.

To help control this invasive species, fishing regulations are evolving to encourage the capture of lionfish. FWC’s Kali Spurgin explained the agency’s various incentive programs. The 2017 statewide “Lionfish Challenge” awarded participants with prizes including T-shirts, gear and allowing licensed fishers to collect one extra spiny lobster per day, per person during the lobster mini-season. Additionally, the yearlong “Panhandle Pilot Program” rewarded divers by allowing them to catch an additional cobia or red grouper in state waters for every hundred lionfish removed. Learn more about FWC’s lionfish programs at http://myfwc.com/Lionfish.

In conclusion, grocers such as Whole Foods are working on new products such as lionfish dumplings to encourage the capture of even the smallest lionfish found on the reef. Finding a way to harvest more lionfish and at a consistent rate will be key for making the product a success.

Did you attend DEMA this year? What did you think about the conservation seminars? What would you like to see next year?