Printer Friendly Version - Washed Up Sharks Have a Valuable Purpose

Sharks washed up on New England shores are a valuable source of data, used in understanding their life histories. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Michelle Passerotti of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center is a fish biologist affiliated with the Apex Predators Program, performing cutting-edge shark research at their Narragansett, RI laboratory. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Another year of groundhog celebrations and once again the infamous prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, made his thoughts known. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center needs your help! Most fishers who fish Long Island Sound and surrounding waters have heard and/or seen the predation that sharks (namely Sandbar, aka Brown sharks) have committed on striped bass. This has been occurring in the past, but because of the strong showing of the year class of 2015, escalation of these occurrences has been brought to the forefront - especially during this last fishing season.

Needless to say, because more sharks have been actively feeding in our waters and their numbers appear to have increased, they are more likely to wash ashore during winter. If you are beachcombing (or just out for a stroll along a beach in Connecticut or Rhode Island) and you come across one washed ashore, snap a few pics and then report it to the Apex Predators Program by either calling 401-782-3281, or emailing Michelle Passerotti, B.SC., M.S., Ph.D., Fish Biologist at michelle.passerotti@noaa.gov. She is exploring the biochemistry of fish aging structures, and working toward new tools for age validation in shark species.

When reporting, include: Date and time, Location (GPS, closest street address, etc.), Species, (if known), Approximate length, Condition (alive, freshly dead with little decay, dead with some decay, dead very decayed), Name and contact information for follow-up. Scientists from the APEX Predators Program collect important data and biological samples from reported sharks that help to better understand shark biology and ecology.

The majority of sharks studied are apex predators. Even though they are at the top of the oceanic food chain and can live for decades, they are still susceptible to overfishing. Unlike most fish, sharks grow slowly, reproduce late in life, and have only a few offspring. They are important contributors to the health of our marine ecosystems. Sharks help maintain healthy prey populations by removing the sick or weaker individuals, clean up the environment by scavenging on dead animals, and help to maintain species diversity as opportunistic predators. It is important to understand their life histories to effectively manage their populations.

Through the Apex Predators Program, life history research is conducted on commercially and recreationally important shark species focusing on: Distribution and migration, age and growth, reproductive biology, feeding ecology, and effects on abundance. The majority of species only occur seasonally, traveling to warmer waters further south for the winter. Most species that remain off the northeast coast move offshore during the winter months. Sharks are a highly migratory species, traveling long distances, often crossing domestic and international boundaries. Atlantic sharks occurring in U.S. waters are managed by NOAA Fisheries.

New: Of note from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC): The commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Addendum modifies recreational and commercial measures to reduce fishing mortality in 2024, establishes an expedited response process to upcoming stock assessments, and addresses requirements for recreational filleting. Addendum II also builds upon the 2023 emergency action by changing the measures in the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to reduce fishing mortality and support stock rebuilding. Addendum II measures will replace the emergency action measures upon the implementation by the states by May 1, 2024. (See column “Tightening of Emergency Striped Bass Measures Reviewed” published week of Nov. 26 in print and Dec. 1 on zip06.com).

High pressure built down the New England coast, while an upper level disturbance approached as low pressure pushed off the Mid-Atlantic and southeast coasts. A cold front approached, dropping from north and west, and moved through the area. High pressure gradually built again from southeast Canada, as low pressure sets in the Canadian Maritimes. Unseasonable weather continued, as January air temperatures went from above normal by double-digits to more in line with the winter season as February approached. High pressure and a warming trend, with temperatures ranging between the high 40’s and low 50’s, then kicked in, bringing moderate to sunny days. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound water temperatures remaining close to 40 degrees with 10-15 knot winds (gusting to 20 knots) became the norm, as seas ranged from relatively calm to 2-3 feet.

With clouds and an unusual weather pattern attempting to emulate winter, February entered the scene, bringing sunglasses out of hiding and worn more often. Needless to say, ice has become a premium south of I-95 and anywhere near the shoreline. So, if your plans are calling (in some cases, screaming) for ice fishing, expect to travel well up north. Locally, though, one can put the spuds and augers aside - at least for now. It has all been soft, open-water fishing, where trout, largemouth bass (a few smallies), pickerel, northern pike, and panfish have been targets of most anglers.

Trout rivers have been getting a workout, Atlantic salmon waters are being tested more often, while lakes and ponds have been drawing anglers to their banks with a limited number of small vessels paddling to favorite fishing spots under bluebird skies. Water levels and flows continue to be a challenge for anglers attempting to fish in high water table areas, but nevertheless, as a stretch of milder weather blanketed the area, anglers did take advantage of it. Trout, large and smallmouth bass, pickerel, some pike, plenty of panfish, and other bottom fish have taken advantage of warming temperatures and turned on a feeding spree.

By the looks of Groundhog Day’s outcome and the ever-knowing prognosticator, Knob Hill’s famous Punxsutawney Phil, no shadow was seen, signifying the early arrival of spring. Connecticut’s Chuckles followed suit, but unfortunately, other surrounding states’ predicting rodents were unable to participate in the famed day celebrations due to unforeseen circumstances. To those of us who were already sensing that outcome, once again, ice fishing season is slipping through the cracks once again - at least all along the shoreline. All is not lost for in its place, open water provided some good angling opportunities both inland, as indicated above, and in main marine tidal rivers - namely for holdover striped bass.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits and much more, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days, located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time, from your CT shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.