{"id":33562,"date":"2026-06-22T15:54:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?p=33562"},"modified":"2026-06-22T15:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:54:51","slug":"summer-2026-hook-line-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Hook, Line & Science"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: NOAA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are anglers a rising threat to sharks?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Recreational catches of shortfin mako reveal the impacts of modern fishing on open-ocean sharks.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreational fishing for open-ocean sharks \u2014 including blue sharks, common threshers, porbeagles, and shortfin makos \u2014 is a popular activity along the East Coast. These offshore species are highly valued by anglers, but some populations are vulnerable to overfishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North Atlantic shortfin mako shark, for example, is experiencing high mortality rates, and rebuilding the population could take decades. With the growing popularity of recreational sport fishing, fishery managers are concerned about how angling may affect the species\u2019 ability to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers surveyed recreational fishers from North Carolina to Maine who held a federal permit necessary to fish for sharks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey included private-boat anglers, as well as charter boat captains. If a respondent had taken at least one trip targeting open-ocean sharks within the past five years, the researchers asked for information about their gear and fishing methods, including hook type and materials, as well as about the handling and release of sharks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research team also asked about motivations for shark fishing, attitudes toward conservation, and views on recent regulatory changes. In addition, the scientists asked for basic demographic information and level of fishing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey responses allowed the team to evaluate whether anglers are following existing regulations, as well as recommended catch-and-release and handling techniques. Researchers also were able to identify fishing behaviors that could increase the risk of injury or death to a shark after release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A total of 3,153 permit holders completed the survey (a response rate of 25.6%). 1,753 anglers (including 174 charter boat captains) reported they had targeted open-ocean sharks within the past five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, surveys indicated that shortfin mako sharks are the main target of the recreational shark fishery in the Northeast. Nearly three-quarters (73.6%) of respondents who targeted specific species of shark indicated that shortfin mako were their primary or secondary target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, most respondents indicated that they are using gear that aligns with current regulations and conservation recommendations. More than 80% reported using non-offset, non stainless circle hooks when fishing with natural bait, as required by federal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, less experienced anglers reported using stainless hooks more commonly, while the charter boat sector used J-hooks more frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During catch-and-release fishing, only 0.7% of respondents reported removing sharks from the water, a practice prohibited under federal law due to the increased risk of stress and injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, most respondents reported cutting the hook or cutting the leader as close to the hook as possible when freeing a shark from fishing gear, which fishery managers recommend. Research shows the presence and length of retained fishing gear can increase the risk of death in species, including common thresher sharks and shortfin makos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 20% of anglers also said they attempted to remove hooks during the release process. This is not<\/em> a management best practice, because forcibly removing hooks can increase the likelihood of mortality after release, especially when hooks are swallowed or deeply embedded in the jaw or throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 93% of anglers said they released sharks that they were legally allowed to keep. Common reasons included concerns about the conservation status of certain species, uncertainty about whether a shark was close to the minimum size, and a personal preference for catch-and-release fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to findings from these surveys, contemporary shark fishers demonstrate strong conservation ethics with respect to shortfin mako, abiding by the zero-retention policy implemented in July 2022 to allow the shortfin mako population to recover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because released sharks may still experience stress or injury, however, estimating post-release mortality in the recreational fishery is critical for understanding the true impact of anglers and determining whether current regulations and best practices are sufficient to support long-term recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
“Assessing angler attitudes, fishing behavior, boatside handling, and release practices in the northeastern United States recreational fishery for shortfin mako and other pelagic sharks”<\/a> in North American Journal of Fisheries Management<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scientists heard oyster toadfish at nearly all the sites in a new study of Core and Back Sounds, NC. Credit: Allison Scott\/NOAA.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can underwater sounds reveal where fish live?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By listening beneath the surface, scientists uncover how habitat shapes the hidden rhythms of estuarine life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many fish and other marine animals produce sounds underwater. Scientists can record these sounds using underwater \u201cmicrophones, called \u201chydrophones\u201d (below) to understand when and where animals are active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina\u2019s vast estuarine system consists of diverse habitats crucial for coastal ecology, including saltwater and brackish marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation beds, mud and sand flats, oyster reefs, and shallow soft bottoms. Scientists still do not fully understand how the spatial arrangement and connection between different types of habit influence fish communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study asked whether different habitats create different soundscapes and if those sounds can tell us something about the animals and conditions in each place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Researchers used this hydrophone on a previous study of underwater soundscapes. Credit: NOAA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting in August 2019, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill\u2019s Institute of Marine Sciences sampled 24 areas in NC\u2019s Back and Core Sounds within a patch-like, interconnected mixture of different habitat types \u2014 including seagrass beds, saltmarsh creeks, oyster reefs, and unvegetated mudflats. At each site, they placed an underwater hydrophone about six inches above the seafloor. The devices recorded two-minute sound clips every 15 minutes over week-long deployments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand what might be driving the sounds, the team measured local habitat conditions, such as how much seagrass or oyster reef was present near each recorder. They also examined broader landscape patterns using aerial imagery to map habitat types within about 500 meters of each site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sound levels varied by habitat. Seagrass beds tended to be the quietest sites overall, and mudflats were the loudest. When the researchers compared recordings across all 24 sites, there were four main soundscape patterns, two unique to saltmarsh creeks and two to seagrass beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two fish species played a major role in shaping the recordings. Oyster toadfish were heard at nearly all the sites (21 out of 24), while silver perch were present at fewer sites (14 out of 24) but could dominate the soundscape when actively calling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some areas, silver perch produced loud and dense choruses, but in other areas they were barely present. Where silver perch were less active, the soundscape was made up of a mix of other sounds, including oyster toadfish calls, snapping shrimp, and other fish species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features such as seagrass patch size and the perimeter length of an oyster reef were linked to differences in underwater sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Soundscape recordings showed clear showed clear seasonal changes in activity for silver perch. Credit: NOAA.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recordings also showed clear seasonal changes for silver perch, with increased calling in early summer, which dropped sharply in mid-July and stopped by early August. The pattern likely reflects their spawning period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding soundscapes allows natural resource managers to better understand \u201cseascape connectivity\u201d \u2014 how organisms navigate between salt marshes, seagrass beds, and reefs to find food or shelter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, this study shows that in lieu of costly and time-intensive traditional fish sampling techniques, scientists can listen to an underwater environment and detect patterns of sound linked to habitat type, habitat complexity, and seasonal fish behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the study also reveals that the diversity of soundscapes across different habitats is crucial for the development of fish and the health of marine ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
“Eavesdropping on estuaries: Soundscape spatial variation explained by habitat metrics at multiple scales”<\/a> in Landscape Ecology<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: Andrew David, NOAA\/NMFS\/SEFSC Panama City; Lance Horn, UNCW\/NURC \u2013 Phantom II ROV operator.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When do blueline tilefish spawn?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Research involving charter boat captains provides critical data on reproductive biology.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic fishery management councils jointly manage blueline tilefish. In the South Atlantic, recreational fishing for blueline tilefish is not allowed from January 1\u2013April 30 and September 1\u2013December 31 to protect spawning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreational fishing for blueline tilefish in federal waters from the Virginia\/North Carolina border through Maine historically has opened May 15 and lasted through November 14, which largely coincides with biologists\u2019 understandings about that population\u2019s spawning season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immature females are rare in scientific sampling, which means some uncertainty remains regarding the proportion of fish in these populations that are sexually mature at specific ages or lengths. Understanding immature female blueline tilefish is critical, because they are essential for accurately estimating sexual maturity and spawning potential \u2014 which directly determines sustainable fishing limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A multi-institutional research team collaborated with two charter boat operators to target small blueline tilefish (shorter than 15.75 inches in total length) off the coast of Cape Hatteras, as well as in submarine canyons in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic continental slope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They then microscopically studied the tissue of testes and ovaries to evaluate reproductive development. Researchers also used a microscope to examine otoliths (inner ears of bony fish), which can be \u201caged\u201d like trees by counting concentric growth rings. This information allowed the team to determine age and length at maturity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers combined this new data set with known data sets on age and reproduction from fish sampled from both the South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic regions to inform a statistical model and infer overall spawning season and sex ratios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic are long-lived (to 50+ years), and the population includes a nearly equal proportion of female to male fish overall (1.1 to 1.0). At larger sizes (when the total length is greater than 25.5 inches), males were more abundant than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mid-Atlantic samples consisted mostly of younger fish, ranging from 1 to 5 years old, with females outnumbering males nearly two-fold. As with the South Atlantic fish, the team once again observed more males at larger sizes (in this case over 27.5 inches). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For both regions, sampling included more females during spawning months (April to October).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers also determined that 50% of female blueline tilefish are mature at roughly 13 inches in total length and at 3 years old. Spawning females were present from March to November in the South Atlantic and May to November in the Mid-Atlantic region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weights of testes and ovaries (indicators of sexual maturity) showed peaks around May and June in the South Atlantic and August and September in the Mid-Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was limited evidence to support hermaphroditism in the fish, which is the ability of an individual to express both male and female reproductive functions. Evidence of female-to-male sex reversal would have indicated an advantage for the species in overcoming the challenges of their populations (i.e., having more females than males).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything else?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Targeted sampling with charter boat operators using a smaller hook size resulted in the capture of a higher percentage of smaller fish than with the traditional sampling (16.4% versus 7.4%). Despite targeted sampling, however, the research team only caught nine total immature fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study confirmed a protracted spawning season in both regions that extends into November and also showed a delay in the start of spawning season for Mid-Atlantic fish. It highlights improved methods for identifying spawning females as well, in cooperation with the fishing industry, and argues for inclusion of all reproductive phases when analyzing the maturity of individual fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Population modeling for this species is challenging, as the largest, oldest individuals are often males, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing, which can skew sex ratios and reduce reproductive potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Sara Mirabilio, <\/strong>fisheries extension specialist and co-curator of Hook, Line, & Science<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
“Maturity, spawning seasonality, and sex ratios of U.S. Atlantic blueline tilefish”<\/a> in Marine and Coastal Fisheries<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission\/ CC BY-ND 2.0.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where do sheepshead spawn along the North Carolina coast?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

New research identifies when and where sheepshead gather to reproduce.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheepshead are an important recreational species along the Southeast coast, commonly caught around inlets, reefs, and other structured habitats. Like many coastal fish, they reproduce by forming spawning aggregations, where large numbers of fish gather in specific locations for a short period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These aggregations can make fish more vulnerable to fishing, because they are easier to locate and catch \u2014 especially for a species like the sheepshead as its popularity has increased, which has led to a recent rise in landings. Despite this, the locations and conditions of sheepshead spawning along the North Carolina coast have remained poorly understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This lack of information makes it difficult to assess the population and develop effective management strategies. Thus, researchers set out to identify when and where sheepshead gather to reproduce and how many eggs each female releases during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers collected adult sheepshead from nearshore waters around Cape Lookout, North Carolina, during the spring spawning season, mid\u2011April through mid\u2011May, in 2018 and 2019. Fish were captured using a bottom trawl deployed from a commercial fishing vessel. Sampling focused on areas near coastal features, such as inlets, where fish were more likely to gather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After collection, scientists measured each fish\u2019s length and weight in a laboratory. The researcher team removed reproductive organs from each female fish and examined them under a microscope to determine its reproductive stage, whether it had recently spawned or was about to release eggs. The team also calculated how many eggs each female carried, counting eggs in small subsamples of the ovaries and scaling those counts to estimate the total number present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study also incorporated long\u2011term fishery\u2011independent survey data collected between 1990 and 2022 from across the Southeast. Researchers focused on spring samples and identified locations where fishers caught unusually large numbers of adult sheepshead together, which could signal spawning aggregations. They then analyzed how water temperature, salinity, latitude, moon illumination, and year correlated with these locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the study did find strong evidence that sheepshead form spawning aggregations in the nearshore waters of North Carolina. Nearly all female fish collected during the sampling period were in spawning condition and had either recently released eggs or were preparing to spawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specifically, analysis of long\u2011term survey data showed larger catches of adult sheepshead during the spring between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras. These aggregations occurred most often in April and May when bottom water temperatures ranged from about 62 \u00b0F to 70 \u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Female sheepshead produced large numbers of eggs. On average, a female released about 264,000 eggs during a single spawning event. Incidentally, previous research suggests that sheepshead spawn an average of 7.6 times every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger females produced disproportionately more eggs than smaller ones. This means that as fish grow, their reproductive output increases faster than their body size alone would suggest. Because of this, a relatively small number of large fish may contribute heavily to overall egg production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers also found that most fish observed in spawning aggregations were larger than previously reported sizes at maturity. This suggests that although smaller sheepshead may be capable of spawning, larger and older fish likely contribute more to total reproduction. These top-contributing reproducers are known as BOFFFFs \u2014 big, old, fat, fertile female fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how and where fish reproduce helps scientists better evaluate the health and stability of a population. Information about spawning behavior can improve monitoring efforts and help researchers detect changes in reproductive activity over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study also highlights the importance of larger fish in sustaining populations. Because bigger females produce far more eggs than smaller ones, they may contribute disproportionately to future generations. Recognizing this pattern helps scientists better understand how population structure can influence long\u2011term reproductive potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
“Identifying spawning aggregations and estimating batch fecundity of sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) off NC, USA”<\/a> in Fisheries Research<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fly fisherman fishing trouts in river. Credit: Daniel Vincek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Will NC mountain streams be suitable for stocked trout in 2050?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A 35-year-old record of temperatures and a new computer model inform where and when to stock in the future. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages approximately 5,200 miles of streams in North Carolina\u2019s 26 westernmost counties. The most popular species include the native brook trout, the introduced brown trout, and rainbow trout. While most of these waters are managed such that fish replenish themselves naturally, about 900 miles of streams are managed through a combination of wild populations and<\/em> stocking with hatchery-produced fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These managed stocked streams are important to anglers and the state\u2019s economy. In 2022, about 370,000 anglers fished on these waters and generated a $1.38 billion impact on North Carolina\u2019s economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But going forward, it could be difficult to keep all these anglers (and the fish) happy. That\u2019s because North Carolina\u2019s mountain trout are cold-water species and typically require temperatures that stay at or below 70 F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How should we plan around future stocking efforts as stream temperatures continue to warm? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, a biologist way back in the early 1990s decided to start recording water temperatures during stocking events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could this record be the key to making a long-term stocking plan? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A research team focused on determining the future viability of the NCWRC\u2019s spring-to-summer stocking season (which runs from March to July). Given that water temperatures above 70 F are widely considered unsuitable for stocking, the team used historical temperature data from 1992 to 2024 at 183 stream locations to forecast when and where future stocking events may not be feasible.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers built a forecast model out to the year 2050, using water temperature data from over 25,000 stocking events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warming trends varied among streams, with a mean annual warming rate of 0.09 F. However, 50 streams currently being stocked are experiencing rapid warming trends of approximately 0.144 F per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means it\u2019s important to view specific results in terms of probabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 2050, there is a 90%<\/strong> chance that 7 of the 183<\/strong> streams will have June or July water temperatures unsuitable for stocking using current protocols. There also is a 50% or greater<\/strong> chance that 107 of the 183<\/strong> streams will have June-to-July water temperatures that are unsuitable by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While future water temperature trends are not encouraging, fishery managers do have options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One approach is to abandon stocking altogether in select streams that are warming the fastest, and focus efforts in other areas, possibility stocking fish earlier in the year when temperatures are lower. Such a dynamic would be a change but would still allow angling opportunities, albeit at different times than in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interesting facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The State of North Carolina has supported trout fishing via stocking in North Carolina for over a century.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 1 million trout are produced annually at NCWRC hatcheries, where mean annual temperatures are approximately 52 F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ninety percent of stocking events are in March\u2013July, but the stocking occurs March-November, except in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For each stocking, 96% are of trout that average 10.5-inches total length, and 4% are greater than 14-inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Scott Baker<\/strong>, fisheries extension specialist and co-curator of Hook, Line, & Science<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
“Stream temperature rise and future stocked- trout management in North Carolina”<\/a> in North American Journal of Fisheries Management<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit HookLineScience.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \n from SUMMER 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: NOAA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are anglers a rising threat to sharks?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Recreational catches of shortfin mako reveal the impacts of modern fishing on open-ocean sharks.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreational fishing for open-ocean sharks \u2014 including blue sharks, common threshers, porbeagles, and shortfin makos \u2014 is a popular activity along the East Coast. These offshore species are highly valued by anglers, but some populations are vulnerable to overfishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North Atlantic shortfin mako shark, for example, is experiencing high mortality rates, and rebuilding the population could take decades. With the growing popularity of recreational sport fishing, fishery managers are concerned about how angling may affect the species\u2019 ability to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers surveyed recreational fishers from North Carolina to Maine who held a federal permit necessary to fish for sharks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey included private-boat anglers, as well as charter boat captains. If a respondent had taken at least one trip targeting open-ocean sharks within the past five years, the researchers asked for information about their gear and fishing methods, including hook type and materials, as well as about the handling and release of sharks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research team also asked about motivations for shark fishing, attitudes toward conservation, and views on recent regulatory changes. In addition, the scientists asked for basic demographic information and level of fishing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey responses allowed the team to evaluate whether anglers are following existing regulations, as well as recommended catch-and-release and handling techniques. Researchers also were able to identify fishing behaviors that could increase the risk of injury or death to a shark after release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A total of 3,153 permit holders completed the survey (a response rate of 25.6%). 1,753 anglers (including 174 charter boat captains) reported they had targeted open-ocean sharks within the past five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, surveys indicated that shortfin mako sharks are the main target of the recreational shark fishery in the Northeast. Nearly three-quarters (73.6%) of respondents who targeted specific species of shark indicated that shortfin mako were their primary or secondary target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, most respondents indicated that they are using gear that aligns with current regulations and conservation recommendations. More than 80% reported using non-offset, non stainless circle hooks when fishing with natural bait, as required by federal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, less experienced anglers reported using stainless hooks more commonly, while the charter boat sector used J-hooks more frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During catch-and-release fishing, only 0.7% of respondents reported removing sharks from the water, a practice prohibited under federal law due to the increased risk of stress and injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, most respondents reported cutting the hook or cutting the leader as close to the hook as possible when freeing a shark from fishing gear, which fishery managers recommend. Research shows the presence and length of retained fishing gear can increase the risk of death in species, including common thresher sharks and shortfin makos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 20% of anglers also said they attempted to remove hooks during the release process. This is not<\/em> a management best practice, because forcibly removing hooks can increase the likelihood of mortality after release, especially when hooks are swallowed or deeply embedded in the jaw or throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 93% of anglers said they released sharks that they were legally allowed to keep. Common reasons included concerns about the conservation status of certain species, uncertainty about whether a shark was close to the minimum size, and a personal preference for catch-and-release fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to findings from these surveys, contemporary shark fishers demonstrate strong conservation ethics with respect to shortfin mako, abiding by the zero-retention policy implemented in July 2022 to allow the shortfin mako population to recover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because released sharks may still experience stress or injury, however, estimating post-release mortality in the recreational fishery is critical for understanding the true impact of anglers and determining whether current regulations and best practices are sufficient to support long-term recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
\"Assessing angler attitudes, fishing behavior, boatside handling, and release practices in the northeastern United States recreational fishery for shortfin mako and other pelagic sharks\"<\/a> in North American Journal of Fisheries Management<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scientists heard oyster toadfish at nearly all the sites in a new study of Core and Back Sounds, NC. Credit: Allison Scott\/NOAA.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can underwater sounds reveal where fish live?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By listening beneath the surface, scientists uncover how habitat shapes the hidden rhythms of estuarine life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many fish and other marine animals produce sounds underwater. Scientists can record these sounds using underwater \u201cmicrophones, called \u201chydrophones\u201d (below) to understand when and where animals are active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina\u2019s vast estuarine system consists of diverse habitats crucial for coastal ecology, including saltwater and brackish marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation beds, mud and sand flats, oyster reefs, and shallow soft bottoms. Scientists still do not fully understand how the spatial arrangement and connection between different types of habit influence fish communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study asked whether different habitats create different soundscapes and if those sounds can tell us something about the animals and conditions in each place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Researchers used this hydrophone on a previous study of underwater soundscapes. Credit: NOAA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting in August 2019, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill\u2019s Institute of Marine Sciences sampled 24 areas in NC\u2019s Back and Core Sounds within a patch-like, interconnected mixture of different habitat types \u2014 including seagrass beds, saltmarsh creeks, oyster reefs, and unvegetated mudflats. At each site, they placed an underwater hydrophone about six inches above the seafloor. The devices recorded two-minute sound clips every 15 minutes over week-long deployments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand what might be driving the sounds, the team measured local habitat conditions, such as how much seagrass or oyster reef was present near each recorder. They also examined broader landscape patterns using aerial imagery to map habitat types within about 500 meters of each site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sound levels varied by habitat. Seagrass beds tended to be the quietest sites overall, and mudflats were the loudest. When the researchers compared recordings across all 24 sites, there were four main soundscape patterns, two unique to saltmarsh creeks and two to seagrass beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two fish species played a major role in shaping the recordings. Oyster toadfish were heard at nearly all the sites (21 out of 24), while silver perch were present at fewer sites (14 out of 24) but could dominate the soundscape when actively calling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some areas, silver perch produced loud and dense choruses, but in other areas they were barely present. Where silver perch were less active, the soundscape was made up of a mix of other sounds, including oyster toadfish calls, snapping shrimp, and other fish species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features such as seagrass patch size and the perimeter length of an oyster reef were linked to differences in underwater sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Soundscape recordings showed clear showed clear seasonal changes in activity for silver perch. Credit: NOAA.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recordings also showed clear seasonal changes for silver perch, with increased calling in early summer, which dropped sharply in mid-July and stopped by early August. The pattern likely reflects their spawning period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding soundscapes allows natural resource managers to better understand \u201cseascape connectivity\u201d \u2014 how organisms navigate between salt marshes, seagrass beds, and reefs to find food or shelter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, this study shows that in lieu of costly and time-intensive traditional fish sampling techniques, scientists can listen to an underwater environment and detect patterns of sound linked to habitat type, habitat complexity, and seasonal fish behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the study also reveals that the diversity of soundscapes across different habitats is crucial for the development of fish and the health of marine ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
\"Eavesdropping on estuaries: Soundscape spatial variation explained by habitat metrics at multiple scales\"<\/a> in Landscape Ecology<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: Andrew David, NOAA\/NMFS\/SEFSC Panama City; Lance Horn, UNCW\/NURC \u2013 Phantom II ROV operator.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When do blueline tilefish spawn?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Research involving charter boat captains provides critical data on reproductive biology.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic fishery management councils jointly manage blueline tilefish. In the South Atlantic, recreational fishing for blueline tilefish is not allowed from January 1\u2013April 30 and September 1\u2013December 31 to protect spawning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreational fishing for blueline tilefish in federal waters from the Virginia\/North Carolina border through Maine historically has opened May 15 and lasted through November 14, which largely coincides with biologists\u2019 understandings about that population\u2019s spawning season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immature females are rare in scientific sampling, which means some uncertainty remains regarding the proportion of fish in these populations that are sexually mature at specific ages or lengths. Understanding immature female blueline tilefish is critical, because they are essential for accurately estimating sexual maturity and spawning potential \u2014 which directly determines sustainable fishing limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A multi-institutional research team collaborated with two charter boat operators to target small blueline tilefish (shorter than 15.75 inches in total length) off the coast of Cape Hatteras, as well as in submarine canyons in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic continental slope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They then microscopically studied the tissue of testes and ovaries to evaluate reproductive development. Researchers also used a microscope to examine otoliths (inner ears of bony fish), which can be \u201caged\u201d like trees by counting concentric growth rings. This information allowed the team to determine age and length at maturity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers combined this new data set with known data sets on age and reproduction from fish sampled from both the South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic regions to inform a statistical model and infer overall spawning season and sex ratios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic are long-lived (to 50+ years), and the population includes a nearly equal proportion of female to male fish overall (1.1 to 1.0). At larger sizes (when the total length is greater than 25.5 inches), males were more abundant than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mid-Atlantic samples consisted mostly of younger fish, ranging from 1 to 5 years old, with females outnumbering males nearly two-fold. As with the South Atlantic fish, the team once again observed more males at larger sizes (in this case over 27.5 inches). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For both regions, sampling included more females during spawning months (April to October).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers also determined that 50% of female blueline tilefish are mature at roughly 13 inches in total length and at 3 years old. Spawning females were present from March to November in the South Atlantic and May to November in the Mid-Atlantic region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weights of testes and ovaries (indicators of sexual maturity) showed peaks around May and June in the South Atlantic and August and September in the Mid-Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was limited evidence to support hermaphroditism in the fish, which is the ability of an individual to express both male and female reproductive functions. Evidence of female-to-male sex reversal would have indicated an advantage for the species in overcoming the challenges of their populations (i.e., having more females than males).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything else?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Targeted sampling with charter boat operators using a smaller hook size resulted in the capture of a higher percentage of smaller fish than with the traditional sampling (16.4% versus 7.4%). Despite targeted sampling, however, the research team only caught nine total immature fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study confirmed a protracted spawning season in both regions that extends into November and also showed a delay in the start of spawning season for Mid-Atlantic fish. It highlights improved methods for identifying spawning females as well, in cooperation with the fishing industry, and argues for inclusion of all reproductive phases when analyzing the maturity of individual fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Population modeling for this species is challenging, as the largest, oldest individuals are often males, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing, which can skew sex ratios and reduce reproductive potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Sara Mirabilio, <\/strong>fisheries extension specialist and co-curator of Hook, Line, & Science<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
\"Maturity, spawning seasonality, and sex ratios of U.S. Atlantic blueline tilefish\"<\/a> in Marine and Coastal Fisheries<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Credit: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission\/ CC BY-ND 2.0.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where do sheepshead spawn along the North Carolina coast?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

New research identifies when and where sheepshead gather to reproduce.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheepshead are an important recreational species along the Southeast coast, commonly caught around inlets, reefs, and other structured habitats. Like many coastal fish, they reproduce by forming spawning aggregations, where large numbers of fish gather in specific locations for a short period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These aggregations can make fish more vulnerable to fishing, because they are easier to locate and catch \u2014 especially for a species like the sheepshead as its popularity has increased, which has led to a recent rise in landings. Despite this, the locations and conditions of sheepshead spawning along the North Carolina coast have remained poorly understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This lack of information makes it difficult to assess the population and develop effective management strategies. Thus, researchers set out to identify when and where sheepshead gather to reproduce and how many eggs each female releases during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers collected adult sheepshead from nearshore waters around Cape Lookout, North Carolina, during the spring spawning season, mid\u2011April through mid\u2011May, in 2018 and 2019. Fish were captured using a bottom trawl deployed from a commercial fishing vessel. Sampling focused on areas near coastal features, such as inlets, where fish were more likely to gather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After collection, scientists measured each fish\u2019s length and weight in a laboratory. The researcher team removed reproductive organs from each female fish and examined them under a microscope to determine its reproductive stage, whether it had recently spawned or was about to release eggs. The team also calculated how many eggs each female carried, counting eggs in small subsamples of the ovaries and scaling those counts to estimate the total number present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study also incorporated long\u2011term fishery\u2011independent survey data collected between 1990 and 2022 from across the Southeast. Researchers focused on spring samples and identified locations where fishers caught unusually large numbers of adult sheepshead together, which could signal spawning aggregations. They then analyzed how water temperature, salinity, latitude, moon illumination, and year correlated with these locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the study did find strong evidence that sheepshead form spawning aggregations in the nearshore waters of North Carolina. Nearly all female fish collected during the sampling period were in spawning condition and had either recently released eggs or were preparing to spawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specifically, analysis of long\u2011term survey data showed larger catches of adult sheepshead during the spring between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras. These aggregations occurred most often in April and May when bottom water temperatures ranged from about 62 \u00b0F to 70 \u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Female sheepshead produced large numbers of eggs. On average, a female released about 264,000 eggs during a single spawning event. Incidentally, previous research suggests that sheepshead spawn an average of 7.6 times every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger females produced disproportionately more eggs than smaller ones. This means that as fish grow, their reproductive output increases faster than their body size alone would suggest. Because of this, a relatively small number of large fish may contribute heavily to overall egg production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers also found that most fish observed in spawning aggregations were larger than previously reported sizes at maturity. This suggests that although smaller sheepshead may be capable of spawning, larger and older fish likely contribute more to total reproduction. These top-contributing reproducers are known as BOFFFFs \u2014 big, old, fat, fertile female fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how and where fish reproduce helps scientists better evaluate the health and stability of a population. Information about spawning behavior can improve monitoring efforts and help researchers detect changes in reproductive activity over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study also highlights the importance of larger fish in sustaining populations. Because bigger females produce far more eggs than smaller ones, they may contribute disproportionately to future generations. Recognizing this pattern helps scientists better understand how population structure can influence long\u2011term reproductive potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Mason Ibrahim<\/strong>, Hook, Line & Science communication fellow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
\"Identifying spawning aggregations and estimating batch fecundity of sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) off NC, USA\"<\/a> in Fisheries Research<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fly fisherman fishing trouts in river. Credit: Daniel Vincek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Will NC mountain streams be suitable for stocked trout in 2050?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A 35-year-old record of temperatures and a new computer model inform where and when to stock in the future. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages approximately 5,200 miles of streams in North Carolina\u2019s 26 westernmost counties. The most popular species include the native brook trout, the introduced brown trout, and rainbow trout. While most of these waters are managed such that fish replenish themselves naturally, about 900 miles of streams are managed through a combination of wild populations and<\/em> stocking with hatchery-produced fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These managed stocked streams are important to anglers and the state\u2019s economy. In 2022, about 370,000 anglers fished on these waters and generated a $1.38 billion impact on North Carolina\u2019s economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But going forward, it could be difficult to keep all these anglers (and the fish) happy. That\u2019s because North Carolina\u2019s mountain trout are cold-water species and typically require temperatures that stay at or below 70 F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How should we plan around future stocking efforts as stream temperatures continue to warm? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, a biologist way back in the early 1990s decided to start recording water temperatures during stocking events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could this record be the key to making a long-term stocking plan? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A research team focused on determining the future viability of the NCWRC\u2019s spring-to-summer stocking season (which runs from March to July). Given that water temperatures above 70 F are widely considered unsuitable for stocking, the team used historical temperature data from 1992 to 2024 at 183 stream locations to forecast when and where future stocking events may not be feasible.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers built a forecast model out to the year 2050, using water temperature data from over 25,000 stocking events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did they find?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warming trends varied among streams, with a mean annual warming rate of 0.09 F. However, 50 streams currently being stocked are experiencing rapid warming trends of approximately 0.144 F per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means it\u2019s important to view specific results in terms of probabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 2050, there is a 90%<\/strong> chance that 7 of the 183<\/strong> streams will have June or July water temperatures unsuitable for stocking using current protocols. There also is a 50% or greater<\/strong> chance that 107 of the 183<\/strong> streams will have June-to-July water temperatures that are unsuitable by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While future water temperature trends are not encouraging, fishery managers do have options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One approach is to abandon stocking altogether in select streams that are warming the fastest, and focus efforts in other areas, possibility stocking fish earlier in the year when temperatures are lower. Such a dynamic would be a change but would still allow angling opportunities, albeit at different times than in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interesting facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The State of North Carolina has supported trout fishing via stocking in North Carolina for over a century.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 1 million trout are produced annually at NCWRC hatcheries, where mean annual temperatures are approximately 52 F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ninety percent of stocking events are in March\u2013July, but the stocking occurs March-November, except in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For each stocking, 96% are of trout that average 10.5-inches total length, and 4% are greater than 14-inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Scott Baker<\/strong>, fisheries extension specialist and co-curator of Hook, Line, & Science<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the full study<\/strong>
\"Stream temperature rise and future stocked- trout management in North Carolina\"<\/a> in North American Journal of Fisheries Management<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit HookLineScience.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

. Are anglers a rising threat to sharks? Recreational catches of shortfin mako reveal the impacts of modern fishing on open-ocean sharks. Recreational fishing for open-ocean sharks \u2014 including blue…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"curated by Scott Baker & Sara Mirabilio","ncst_show_custom_author":true,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"caption\":\"\",\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"Eavesdropping on Fish, Protections for Predators, and More\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-33562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"yoast_head":"\nHook, Line & Science - Coastwatch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hook, Line & Science - Coastwatch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\". Are anglers a rising threat to sharks? Recreational catches of shortfin mako reveal the impacts of modern fishing on open-ocean sharks. Recreational fishing for open-ocean sharks \u2014 including blue…\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Coastwatch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"680\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dave Shaw\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dave Shaw\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dave Shaw\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\"},\"headline\":\"Hook, Line & Science\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3264,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/\",\"name\":\"Hook, Line & Science - Coastwatch\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/1_3_23_NOAA.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/1_3_23_NOAA.png\",\"width\":2164,\"height\":1438,\"caption\":\"Credit: NOAA\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/\",\"name\":\"Coastwatch\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\",\"name\":\"Dave Shaw\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Dave Shaw\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/author\\\/dmshaw\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Hook, Line & Science - Coastwatch","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Hook, Line & Science - Coastwatch","og_description":". Are anglers a rising threat to sharks? Recreational catches of shortfin mako reveal the impacts of modern fishing on open-ocean sharks. Recreational fishing for open-ocean sharks \u2014 including blue…","og_url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/","og_site_name":"Coastwatch","article_published_time":"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":680,"url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Dave Shaw","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Dave Shaw","Est. reading time":"16 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/"},"author":{"name":"Dave Shaw","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1"},"headline":"Hook, Line & Science","datePublished":"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/"},"wordCount":3264,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/","name":"Hook, Line & Science - Coastwatch","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA-1024x680.png","datePublished":"2026-06-22T19:54:50+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-22T19:54:51+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-hook-line-science\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/1_3_23_NOAA.png","width":2164,"height":1438,"caption":"Credit: NOAA"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#website","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/","name":"Coastwatch","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1","name":"Dave Shaw","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dave Shaw"},"url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/author\/dmshaw\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33562"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33676,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33562\/revisions\/33676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33562"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=33562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}