Originally Posted by
duckcrazed
There's been a good bit of debate about this in the research community, there are definitely more white sharks, however the increases that we have observed are more likely a shifting of behavior rather then a population explosion, the generation time on these animals (time it takes to mature and produce young) is too long (likely 20+ years) for their population to increase rapidly. The majority of white sharks were likely further offshore, and with the seal population expansion, they shifted feeding behavior to a more coastal movement pattern...that being said, their populations are also likely increasing with the protections enacted in the early 90's.
As far as the redfish, there's definitely evidence they eat those, but tagged whites are always on the move. We seem them detected off Mrytle Beach in the am and Edisto in the pm, GA the next day. They aren't really staying in one area to where they would deplete a food source like big reds. The only time they are in an area for a prolonged amount of time is when they find a whale carcass.
The problems we are seeing with reds have more to do with recruitment (survival of eggs post-spawn) and survival of young fish to the adult population. There is definitive evidence that despite a mostly catch and release fishery, a lot of mortality still occurs in young fish. There also seems to be some density interaction with sea trout, when sea trout numbers are high, redfish numbers are lower and vice versa...not sure whether it is predation or competition for resources.
Are you affiliated with the tagging program?
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn't go so far as to call a dog filthy but they're definitely dirty. But, a dog's got personality. Personality goes a long way.
You might take out a dozen before they drag you from your home and skull fuck you to death. Marsh Chicken 6/21/2013
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