Project goal is to assist the manufacturer in optimizing an electrical pulse device, EPD, which could meaningfully mitigate shark bycatch and depredation and ensure that U.S. Stakeholders are poised…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $190,000 Project Grant under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) to Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. in Sarasota, FL. The goal of this 1-year project, beginning on January 1, 2025, is to assist the manufacturer in optimizing an electrical pulse device (EPD) that can help mitigate shark bycatch and depredation. The key objectives are to: (1) validate that EPDs repel a range of shark species, (2) validate that they do not repel targeted fish such as tuna, snappers, and grouper, and (3) provide practical information to help the manufacturer achieve maximum product effectiveness. This project aligns with NOAA's mission of understanding marine and atmospheric science to support environmental conservation.

Project goal is to assist the manufacturer in optimizing an electrical pulse device, EPD, which could meaningfully mitigate shark bycatch and depredation and ensure that U.S. Stakeholders are poised to engage IT. Our objectives are to (1) validate that epds repel a range of shark species of interest, (2) validate that they do not repel targeted fish such as tuna, snappers, and grouper, and (3) provide practical information that will help the manufacturer achieve maximum product effectiveness.