Socioeconomic impacts of shark depredation events in North Carolina?s commercial and for-hire fisheries

Shark depredation, meaning the loss of a fisher?s catch before they can land the fish on the boat due to shark bites, has become a critical human-wildlife interaction issue for commercial and recreational fisheries. The nature and impacts of shark depredation, including economic impacts, however, are not well understood. Our project proposes to study the impacts of shark depredation on commercial and for-hire fisheries in North Carolina using a mix of gespatial, economic, and statistical analysis of data collected in surveys among commercial fishers, for hire tour operators, and for-hire customers. In addition, we will conduct a series of regional focus groups to elicit commercial fishers and for-hire operators; opinions on shark depredation mitigation strategies. Understanding of the economic loss on distinct commercial and for-hire fisheries due to shark depredation in North Carolina could shed light on drivers and influences on the problem in the whole of the South Atlantic region.

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