Angler Assistance for Lemon Shark Research


Dear IGFA Members, IGFA needs your assistance in helping scientists collect valuable data on lemon sharks. Lemon sharks are a very common species in coastal Florida and are also a great game fish taht readily hit bait, lures and flies. Recently, large numbers of mature lemon sharks have been observed aggregating off of Jupiter, Florida. It is not currently known why they are massing in such large numbers, nor do scientists know much about the habits of mature lemon sharks in general. Dr. Samuel “Sonny” Gruber is one of the world’s foremost authorities on lemon sharks and has been researching this species for over three decades. Over the years, his research has provided most of our knowledge about this species and its early life history. Now, Dr. Gruber has the unique opportunity to collect data on large numbers of mature lemon sharks, which has historically been difficult to do. Here’s how you can help. Dr. Gruber needs experienced anglers with vessels that can assist him in catching lemon sharks off of Jupiter in the time frame between January and February 2006. Scientists know where the aggregation of sharks is located, but qualified anglers are needed to catch the sharks so that data can be collected. Scientists will measure each shark, take a small tissue sample, tag them and then release them unharmed. Since its inception in 1939 when it was housed in the American Museum of Natural History, IGFA has been dedicated to the study of game fish thorugh the sport of angling. Now, as IGFA members, you have the opportunity to put your angling skills to good use to help us collect information on a shark species that is very popular with recreational anglers. If you are interested in helping, please fill out and fax, email or mail the attached letter of interest as soon as possible to Mr. Todd Getamke, as Dr. Gruber must have evidence of recreational angler assistance by August 23, 2005. Thanks for your assistance and I wish you good fishing. Jason SchratweiserIGFA Conservation Director Email: hq@igf.org \| www.igfa.org * * *
SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT Please personalize text in gray, sign and fax to 804-684-7327, scan and email to gedamke@vims.edu, or mail to address listed below
August 11, 2005Mr. Joe Sharkfisher 10 Buoy Lane Juno Beach, Fl 33408
Mr. Todd GedamkeVirginia Institute of Marine Science P.O. Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA 23062
To Mr. Gedamke:This is to state my willingness and commitment to participate in the scientific research project entitled “Significance of large aggregations of lemon sharks off eastern Florida: evaluation of essential fish habitat and habitat of particular concern” proposed by Drs. Samuel H. Gruber, John M. Hoenig, Kevin Feldheim and Mr. Todd Gedamke. The project involves capturing adult lemon sharks off Jupiter, Florida, and monitoring their movements during the winter season.
I have a 27 ft. Contender with a 150 hp engine. I have been fishing in Florida for 6 years and have caught numerous sharks (or whatever your experience may be-I have been fishing for sharks in Florida for 5 years?). I commit to providing my vessel as a research platform for at least 5 days (we need a specific number of days in the letter to support our research proposal-actual days participating will be scheduling and weather dependant) to assist in capturing sharks, monitoring their movements and overall vessel support for the project. Sincerely, Joe Sharkfisher

Dear IGFA Members, IGFA needs your assistance in helping scientists collect valuable data on lemon sharks. Lemon sharks are a very common species in coastal Florida and are also a great game fish taht readily hit bait, lures and flies. Recently, large numbers of mature lemon sharks have been observed aggregating off of Jupiter, Florida. It is not currently known why they are massing in such large numbers, nor do scientists know much about the habits of mature lemon sharks in general. Dr. Samuel “Sonny” Gruber is one of the world’s foremost authorities on lemon sharks and has been researching this species for over three decades. Over the years, his research has provided most of our knowledge about this species and its early life history. Now, Dr. Gruber has the unique opportunity to collect data on large numbers of mature lemon sharks, which has historically been difficult to do. Here’s how you can help. Dr. Gruber needs experienced anglers with vessels that can assist him in catching lemon sharks off of Jupiter in the time frame between January and February 2006. Scientists know where the aggregation of sharks is located, but qualified anglers are needed to catch the sharks so that data can be collected. Scientists will measure each shark, take a small tissue sample, tag them and then release them unharmed. Since its inception in 1939 when it was housed in the American Museum of Natural History, IGFA has been dedicated to the study of game fish thorugh the sport of angling. Now, as IGFA members, you have the opportunity to put your angling skills to good use to help us collect information on a shark species that is very popular with recreational anglers. If you are interested in helping, please fill out and fax, email or mail the attached letter of interest as soon as possible to Mr. Todd Getamke, as Dr. Gruber must have evidence of recreational angler assistance by August 23, 2005. Thanks for your assistance and I wish you good fishing. Jason SchratweiserIGFA Conservation Director Email: hq@igf.org | www.igfa.org * * *

SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT Please personalize text in gray, sign and fax to 804-684-7327, scan and email to gedamke@vims.edu, or mail to address listed below

August 11, 2005Mr. Joe Sharkfisher 10 Buoy Lane Juno Beach, Fl 33408

Mr. Todd GedamkeVirginia Institute of Marine Science P.O. Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA 23062

To Mr. Gedamke:This is to state my willingness and commitment to participate in the scientific research project entitled “Significance of large aggregations of lemon sharks off eastern Florida: evaluation of essential fish habitat and habitat of particular concern” proposed by Drs. Samuel H. Gruber, John M. Hoenig, Kevin Feldheim and Mr. Todd Gedamke. The project involves capturing adult lemon sharks off Jupiter, Florida, and monitoring their movements during the winter season.

I have a 27 ft. Contender with a 150 hp engine. I have been fishing in Florida for 6 years and have caught numerous sharks (or whatever your experience may be-I have been fishing for sharks in Florida for 5 years?). I commit to providing my vessel as a research platform for at least 5 days (we need a specific number of days in the letter to support our research proposal-actual days participating will be scheduling and weather dependant) to assist in capturing sharks, monitoring their movements and overall vessel support for the project. Sincerely, Joe Sharkfisher