Since sharks became legally protected in 2015, sightings and encounters with these vulnerable predators have increased. While this is a welcome trend, increased shark sightings have included unwelcome interactions with the local fishing community as sharks predate on hooked target fish on the line.
A brand-new technology that deterrers sharks electronically was developed and proven successful in Australia. The DoE is considering buying and distributing these devices among interested fishermen and fishing charters to trial their effectiveness in deterring sharks from preying on hooked fish being pulled in with the aim to increase catches and reduce loss of tackle and fish to sharks in the Cayman Islands.
The initiative involves 5 key stages:
- Gauging community support/interest
- Determining the number of devices needed for the trial
- Fundraising for the purchase of the number of devices needed
- Distribution of devices to fishers and start of trial
- Data analysis and review of results
We are asking all fishermen and fishing charter companies to please participate in this short survey, even if you haven’t had any encounters with sharks on the line.
THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED
The information that you provide will help us to determine whether there is community support for this campaign and if so, the number of devices needed for the trial.