San Francisco Bay Benthic Shark Tag and Release Project
As certain species of game fish have declined in number within San
Francisco Bay, Sport angling for sharks has become more popular. This has
led to an increase in the number of charter boats sportfishing for sharks
as an alternate species to sturgeon and stripers. Because of this there has
been a noticeable decline in shark numbers over the past several years.
Prior to 1993 there were no laws regarding the sport or commercial taking
of sharks in California waters.
No catch limit, or methods restrictions existed regarding sharks as a
species or a resource anywhere on the west coast of the U.S.
In 1993 the California Dept of Fish and Game imposed catch limits and
tackle restrictions. These steps were taken by CDFG after being pressured
by sportfishing and environmental organizations, including the Pelagic
Shark Research Foundation.
In the Fall of 1993 the PSRF approached several of the 'shark fishing'
charter boats and introduced them to the CDFG shark tag and release program
and offered to provide them with tagging materials.
The Since then PSRF has tagged well over a hundred sharks and developed a
specific series of tags for the project. So far, the project is a hit, it
has reduced shark mortality, broadened the data base and educated good
number of eager sportsman.
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