Looking to air your grievances on gray seals eating your stripers? Here’s your chance.

(Featured photo by John Doble)

Researchers out of Dr. Andy Danylchuk’s lab at UMass Amherst, are launching a survey for anglers from North Carolina to Maine focused on depredation – that is, losing a hooked fish to a larger predator. Spearheaded by Evan Prasky, PhD student, this survey seeks information on how frequently, if at all, recreational anglers encounter sharks, seals, birds, or other gamefish taking their catch.

Depredation seems to be a growing problem in the mid-Atlantic and south, as shark populations increase following protective measures taken more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, striper fishermen from Montauk to Maine are no strangers from having gray seals latch on to hooked stripers. This survey looks to quantify the breadth of this issue, it’s impact on recreational anglers, and to determine whether regulatory action might be helpful. It’s worth taking a few minutes to complete.

From the UMASS Team:

Calling all saltwater anglers along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Maine. A team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst is conducting a survey on depredation – when a predator partially or wholly consumes an angler’s catch before it is landed. What species are taking your fish? Is it on the rise? How do you feel about the encounter?  Sharing your views will provide important insights for this emerging issue for recreational anglers.  By participating, you can help shape future education and advocacy campaigns focused on depredation. As a token of our appreciation, you could win a Patagonia Guidewater backpack (retail value $299). Please use the link to take the survey today. Your participation matters. Thanks!