This project proposes to engage the shark fishing community of puerto rico to: (1) obtain post-regulation species- and size composition shark catch data that can be used to assess this fishery and…

The Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. was awarded a $469,654 Project Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (CFDA 11.427). The grant will support efforts from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 to engage Puerto Rico's shark fishing community. Specifically, Mote Marine Laboratory will obtain post-regulation species and size composition shark catch data to assess the fishery and monitor compliance with new rules. They will also map coastal shark habitats and determine overlap with fishing areas. Additionally, the organization will conduct workshops to improve species identification, socialize new regulations, facilitate permits, and identify ways for fishers to avoid protected areas like those frequented by scalloped hammerheads. The grant activities aim to support sustainable fisheries consistent with the NOAA program's goal of increasing economic and recreational benefits from marine resources.

This project proposes to engage the shark fishing community of puerto rico to: (1) obtain post-regulation species- and size composition shark catch data that can be used to assess this fishery and determine compliance with new regulations, (2) map coastal shark habitats and determine species-specific overlap with fishers, and (3) conduct workshops to further improve species identification, socialize the new regulations, facilitate fishers getting HMS ccsb permits, and identify practical ways for them to avoid areas frequented by prohibited species, especially scalloped hammerheads.