The recent accidental catch of a “very large” thresher shark off Rhode Island was fortuitous in that the shark was safely released and continues to provide researchers with important data.
The Atlantic Shark Institute shared the accompanying image this week via social media, stating:
“Pictures like this have long been associated with a large shark being displayed on a dock at a shark tournament, or from a group of offshore fisherman after a day on the water. This one is a little different and has a much better ending.”
Commercial fisherman Chris Brown discovered the female shark in one of his nets near Block Island in late October. Because the shark was too large to be freed by hand, Brown hauled her aboard and fitted her with an acoustic tag.
The shark was then released and, according to the Atlantic Shark Institute, “swam away at a robust pace and we are happy to share that we have since detected her several times on our acoustic array near the island, confirming her survival.”
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The group thanked Brown “for tagging this shark and taking care to make sure that she continues to be a part of our critical ocean ecosystem.”
However, several Facebook followers were skeptical.
Top comment: “Great story but I don’t think this picture goes with it.”
Another follower: “Get a real picture and I may believe you. This shark is dead, and would not survive being hung upside down with a cable or high-tension rope for any length of time needed to do these tasks.”
Another follower, claiming to be a lifelong commercial fisherman: “Would love to see video of that shark alive before I believe it is not dead hanging there.”
The Atlantic Shark Institute addressed doubters by stating:
“If you look closely you will see the $400+ tag at the base of her dorsal fin. Our partners would never deploy a tag on a dead or lethargic shark. It would simply make no sense and not anything we would support. Protocol for 95%+ of our projects is to leave the shark in the water.
“With these commercial partners everything comes on deck as the net, with all its catch, is opened on it. Based on the size and weight of this shark the only option was to use the lift. Good news is that she has pinged in several times from her release location so all is good. We hope to follow her for the next 10 years.”