The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network (SSACN) is collaborating with Sportvisserij Nederland (Royal Dutch Angling Association) and will extend its shark tagging event - Sharkatag - into Dutch waters.
Shark stocks in the two countries have opposite records. Many of the 20+ Scottish species have been in severe decline, whereas until 10 years ago sharks in Dutch waters were very scarce, but now through an apparent northern migration, increasing numbers of several species are being taken.
Anglers from both countries are very concerned about shark stocks. Tagging is a non-destructive method of gathering the necessary data whilst ensuring minimum harm to the fish themselves.
Sharkatag is not fished as a competition and all fish are returned alive. Anglers must follow documented Best Practice and Handling Guides and a short training course is given to any inexperienced taggers.
This year the Scottish Sharkatag takes place between 15-17 June from marks around SW Scotland when the primary focus will be collecting data on tope, smoothound and thornback ray.
Dates for Sharkatag Nederland, when smoothhound and stingray will be the key targets, are yet to be announced but is expected to take place around mid-August.
According to Willie Kennedy SSACN's events manager, "So little is known about the quantity, distribution and migration routes of sharks in EU waters, collaborative efforts like this can only help improve our overall knowledge.”
