December 24, 2014

FLORIDA: Blacktip Shark Challenge 2014


During the Blacktip Shark Challenge 2014 a record breaking hammerhead shark was caught by Peter Buban, nearly 14ft.
More than sixty sharks were caught in 72 hours, including eight different species. For the first time in Blacktip Challenge history, a dusky shark was caught and released.

This remarkable catch was accomplished by junior angler Cameron McCllelan. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University and St. Mary's Medical Center took oral swabs from sharks caught in the tournament to collect bacteria samples. Their objective is to improve the antibiotic treatment of shark attack victims.

Researchers from Florida International University took blood samples from sharks caught in the tournament to study the stress involved with catch and release fishing.