Their research questions and methods are designed to consider how the data will support science-based conservation policies. ASC’s main project is researching the poorly studied recreational shark fishery in Florida, specifically the shore-based shark fishery. ASC is often the first organization that is called when the public has a conservation concern about sharks. Three years ago, ASC received many messages from concerned citizens about dead hammerhead sharks, a species recently categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, that were found on the beaches early in the morning and the suspected culprit may have been interactions with recreational shore-based fishing. ASC met directly with members of the public, local and city officials as well as members of FWC marine management and with the some of the Commissioners. ASC staff attended 7 of 10 workshops held throughout the state to learn firsthand about the fishery and the stakeholders. It became clear that there was very little information about the fishery, including the who, how, why, and where of the fishing efforts, or the impact of catch and release fishing on great hammerheads. ASC proposed a project to answer these questions and was awarded funding through the Save Our Seas Foundation’s Keystone Grant. So, ASC is the first, female-led team to work with volunteer anglers to tag their catches with satellite tags that will determine whether the shark lives or dies after release. They are working with the anglers to also determine what factors could increase the chances of these vulnerable species’ survival. The project is also contributing information to the upcoming stock assessment of the hammerheads to be completed by NOAA Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Division experts. ASC has conducted the first angler survey that is characterizing the fishery, describing the catches, the types of equipment used, how often anglers fish for sharks from shore, all incredibly important details to be considered for future regulations. By ASC working with the anglers, involving them in the process of developing the research, they are more likely to buy-in to the results and share knowledge that will influence better behaviors. They are continuing their work with the shore-based anglers, searching for continued funding and planning on expanding the research to investigate the impacts of boat-based shark fishing on hammerheads and other valued and vulnerable species. ASC maintains a strong relationship with the FWC Regional Biologists and Regional Director to make sure the research closes any gaps in knowledge for the management of the fisheries.

ASC also conducts long-term monitoring of the shark populations off the coast of Florida by collaborating with the dive community, another important user group for this area. ASC uses non-invasive techniques to record the diversity, abundance, distribution, and seasonality of vulnerable shark species like lemon, dusky, sandbar and silky sharks. Joining charter boats on their dives, ASC staff collects environmental data and biological data on any shark they see throughout the year, measuring them with paired-laser photogrammetry contraption that projects 2 laser dots on the side of the animal at a fixed distance apart and the camera captures the image, allowing for an accurate measurement of the shark in a simple computer program. This methodology is simple, allowing the public to directly participate in the data collection. Everyone gets excited when they start talking about sharks with lasers! These data are contributing to a better understanding of how these sharks use our Florida coastline, interact, and compete with each other and other predators, and how us humans may be impacting their behaviors. This is another example of how ASC develops projects that directly contribute to conservation policies and regulations.

ASC isn’t just about the science or being in the ivory tower of academia. ASC believes that the science doesn’t matter unless you share it and encourage critical thinking, science literacy and environmental stewardship. Before the pandemic, ASC team members could be found at community events along the entire east coast of Florida, teaching anyone who was in earshot about the importance of sharks and how people can get involved. ASC has presented at dive clubs, nature centers, schools, scientific conferences, conventions throughout the state of Florida. Through their partnership with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, ASC has given talks to the GEMS Club (Girls Excelling at Math and Science), have been STEM mentors, talked to seniors at the Silver Science Night, hosted the educational programs throughout Shark Preservation Week. Since the onset of social distancing policies, ASC has quickly adapted and has held multiple online presentations each month. These presentations cover topics on biology and ecology, there are conversation with friends like Cristina Zenato, and what it is like to be a scientist that studies sharks. These videos are available for anyone to watch on their YouTube channel and they created lots of fun and educational materials for young marine biologists which are available on their website and free to download. The ASC senior staff conducts continuing education and professional development courses for teachers and informal educators, like those at the Environmental Learning Center and Under Blue Water’s marine biology camps. ASC is also incredibly supportive of other small local groups, advising on the science and policy on state, federal and international levels. They are ready to share their limited resources, their time and knowledge to move any good project or initiative forward. They just successfully tagged a silky shark off the coast of Florida for a graduate student who was stuck in the Bahamas because of the pandemic, helping him to round out his fieldwork for his PhD. ASC is an outreach partner with Havenworth Coastal Conservation, helping to spread awareness about the plight of the endangered smalltooth sawfish.

ASC also promotes the recruitment and retention of women in STEM through their education, outreach and mentorship opportunities. The ASC internships have supported 6 undergraduate or early career female scientists in the past two years. These ladies have attended policy meetings, are involved in every aspect of the field work and are responsible for a large portion of the outreach efforts. The ASC Board Members Hannah Medd and Jill Brooks take so much pride in offering these opportunities to young women who are excited about a career in marine science and conservation. The interns attended FWC workshops and provided public comments on recommended scientific data that would support better policies. ASC supported the attendance of 2 of these young ladies at the scientific conference of the American Elasmobranch Society where they presented their first poster on the preliminary results of the survivability of great hammerheads released from shore.
ASC may focus mainly on sharks, but all their efforts are conducted in the broader context of conserving marine ecosystems for healthy oceans and they should be recognized for their tireless work.

To learn more, please check out their online presence:
www.americansharkconservancy.org
https://www.facebook.com/americansharkconservancy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-shark-conservancy/
https://www.instagram.com/asc_sharkstudies/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZsEARs_t8QGKJf9PD_usQ