The Commercial Shark Fishery Observer Program (CSFOP) places fishery biologists aboard commercial shark fishing vessels operating in the waters of the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Observers collect data on species composition and fate of the catch, and gather biological data from the sharks taken in the fishery. This crucially important life history and fishery specific information is utilized to determine shark population levels and trends, and to foster enlightened fishery management.







Final Report Abstracts

• 1994-1995
• 1996-1997
• 1997-1998
• 1999
• 2000-2002
• 2002-2003

Species Composition of Catch, 1994-2003

• All Regions
• By Region

Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), 1994-2003

• All Regions
• By Region
• By Species, All Regions

Disposition of Catch, 1994-2000

• All Regions
  
• South Atlantic
  
• Eastern Gulf of Mexico
  
• Mid-Atlantic Bight

Fin-Carcass Weights of Catch, 1994-2000

A Day in the Life of a Shark Observer

Shark Fishing in U.S. Territorial Waters