Special Events

Shark stocks in Scottish waters are severely threatened and data on their quantity, size, sex, distribution and growth rates is needed if they are to be protected.

The SSTP’s Special Events programme shows anglers can make a difference.

Historically anecdotal evidence appeared to suggest several species of shark in Scottish waters required protection from excessive exploitation, but little scientific data regarding their quantity, size, sex, distribution and growth rates was available to support any restrictions.

SSACN, through the SSTP introduced three tagging events to gather that data and after working alongside scientists from the Scottish Government government, a Special Statutory Instrument (SSI) was introduced in March 2012 which made 26 species of shark in Scottish waters the most protected in Europe.

Whilst landings by the commercial sector will not be allowed, anglers may still fish for these endangered species on a “Catch and Release” basis.  A terrific result for all those who have provided tagging data.

Well done to all those involved – but we aren’t finished yet !!

This year the Events are:

The Sharkatag weekend ::  This Event operates from  four main centres …… Drummore, Sandhead, Isle of Whithorn & Brighouse Bay at Kirkudbright and takes place around mid-summer from marks around the Solway and SW Scotland with the focus on tagging tope, smoothound and collecting data on other shark species.

The Skate Recapture weekend :: An Easter event which is run over quite wide area, mainly centred around Crinan, Oban and Loch Aline where it is believed that the skate populations are largely resident.

NEW !!!! Measure Up With SSACN :: Held at the end of August – details to be added.
Weight estimation based on a fish’s length offers a credible alternative to physically weighing them and helps reduce any potential damage. This year’s “Measure up with SSACN” day will be based in south west Scotland. It will comprise of a species hunt with the emphasis on a fun day with a social and prize giving night to follow (the biggest fish of any species won’t necessarily win the biggest prize).  Read more here.

Read how it all came about.
Just click on the image.

By taking part in our “Special Events”, you will be helping both our current efforts aimed at shark conservation and our longer term objectives targeted at the wider regeneration of Scotland’s inshore fish stocks.