Tarpon are a popular sport fish, and they are known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. However, in recent years, there have been reports of an increase in the number of hooked tarpon being eaten by sharks.
Some fishermen have blamed this increase on a change in shark behavior, such as an increase in aggression or a change in diet. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Florida suggests that the increase in predation is actually due to a decline in the tarpon population.
The researchers used a variety of methods to study the relationship between tarpon and sharks, including interviews with fishermen, tagging studies, and data from fishery surveys. They found that the number of hooked tarpon being eaten by sharks has increased in recent years, but that this increase is correlated with a decline in the tarpon population.
The researchers believe that the decline in the tarpon population is making it easier for sharks to catch and eat them. When there are fewer tarpon available, sharks are more likely to encounter and eat a hooked tarpon.
The researchers also found that the type of shark that is most likely to eat a hooked tarpon is the bull shark. Bull sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to eat a variety of prey.
The researchers say that their findings suggest that the increase in predation on hooked tarpon is not due to a change in shark behavior, but rather to a decline in the tarpon population. This suggests that conservation efforts should focus on protecting tarpon habitat and reducing fishing pressure on the species.
