I thought I'd share a link to the Hawaii Institute if Marine Biology Shark Lab's program.
Carl, Brad, and Kim have been doing alot of valuable research on sharks and other top predators found in the main and northwestern Hawaiian waters since the early 90's. I was furtunate to be able to aid in Tiger Shark and Galapagos Shark field studies conducted in French Frigate Shoals over the course of 3 field seasons. I was also able to spend many days conducting bottomfish Reasearch within the northwestern hawaiian islands nat monument with Hawaii's best commercial bottom-fishermen. I tagged (w/both Conventional and R-code) close to 3000 Uku (Green Jobfish) spread evenly throughout every bank in the lower NWHI. I have also tagged a bunch of large Ulua, and many if Hawaii's big 7 species throughout their HI range. This program has been able to accomplish alot, despite the ever present challenges (ESP. Funding restrictions). Many of the papers summarizing results to date are available on the web. I'd encourage you to check em out if your interested in what the program's researchers have been learning about our ocean's top predators.
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~carlm/
Very cool-Thanks for the link-I've fished a bunch in Fiji & Tonga but never caught a Jobfish.
Thanks for the link. Dominick
The Tiger Shark is an Awesome Creature. I can't wait to Catch one and send him back on his way to show him who the real Apex Predator is! ;)
Lucky you live HAWAII
So very interesting. I think I went into the wrong profession.
Hulu.com has a three part series callled "Of Shark and Men" that I enjoyed while working on some reels. Did you guys know that as of the filming of the documentary more than 100 million sharks are KILLED each year. I dont say this to say that you shark specialists are major contributors. I say it for you shark specialist to re-enforce your care and handling of the sharks that you catch and release and to make you a little more aware of whats happening to your favorite fishery! Another eye-opening documentary on the state of the "global fish resourse" is the documentary The End of the Line" a real must-see for all fishermen!
Leo
I feel you exactly...I am a Tagger for NOAA's Apex Predator Program, and i also do tagging for TAG Louisianna for Red Drum and speckled trout. I believe in preserving our fisheries. I only take what i am going to eat and that is it...
I forgot to thank you for that Link Leo. I also am a NOAA Apex Predator Tagger! ;)
Speaking of preserving...that Black Tip I posted pics of a while back...We actually had to stay in the water with her for over 4-5 minutes moving her back and for to revive her to the point of feeling like she would make it. I almost called her to the cooler but then the life sprang back into her and off she went.
Nothing like standing in waste deep water holding the pec and dorsal fins of something that you know could seriously hurt you for that long of time. on the beach is one thing but in their environment it is a whole nother story.