The Mediterranean Shark Research Group started in summer 2001 as the Mediterranean Shark Sportfishery Program, a program of data collection on captures of sharks by sportfishermen in the Mediterranean Sea. All sportfishermen can collaborate on this research, both as singles, clubs or associations. All shark species are included in this program, not only large species. To help the in data collection by participants, a simple form to be filled in has been prepared. The form that sportfishermen are asked to fill in if they decide to take part to the Mediterranean Shark Sportfishery Program includes basic data only, so that it could be filled completely in any situation.

In any case we strongly recommend to set the shark free after capture. In this way it will avoid the unuseful killing of these wonderful animals that are already in alarming decline. Obviously in this case it will be not important if the form will be not filled completely.

The Mediterranean Shark Research Group thanks in advance all sportfishermen who will assist in this initiative.

To fill in the form download it in as either a PDF or a Word Document and send it to us by e-mail, you can also print copies so that you can keep a supply on your boat. It is necessary to add a photo of the specimen to the form, so that the researchers can verify the species identification with certainty. Please use one form for each specimen.

Please send forms and photos to the following address:

Dr. Alessandro De Maddalena
Italian Great White Shark Data Bank
via L. Ariosto 4, I-20145 Milan, Italy
E-mail: a-demaddalena@tiscali.it

 

Filling in the form has to be as accurate as possible. We clarify here some points.

Total length: measure in a straight line, from the snout to the tip of the upper lobe of caudal fin. Specify if the reported measure is only an estimate.

Weight: to be taken on the whole specimen. Specify if the specimen has been gutted. Specify if the reported weight is only an estimate.

Sex: it is easily recognizable by observing the underside of the animal, where males have claspers (copulatory organs), two cylindrical appendages developed from the pelvic fin bases; these are more developed in adult specimens.

Photographs: take a photo of the whole shark, from the side. The photographic evidence has to be sent together with the filled form.