Estimating the effects of recreational fisheries on sharks in the English Channel and adjacent seas using social networks

Abstract

Recreational shark fishing in the English Channel and adjacent seas was analysed through the analysis of videos posted on social networks, which, for the first time, allowed us to assess which species in the area are the most affected by fishing techniques, the hotspots and the biological data of the species caught. Using this novel methodology, we found that recreational anglers target spotted and common smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus asterias and M. mustelus), particularly in French waters. Anglers also target the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and tope (Galeorhinus galeus), mainly in the waters of the United Kingdom (UK). Results show that recreational fishing has implications for the conservation of all these vulnerable species, and particularly for blue shark and tope since, respectively, 49% and 36% of the individuals of these two species caught were juveniles. Based on the results, we propose some recommendations to reduce fishing pressure on these species which should be implemented on a collaborative basis between France and UK for this shared resource.