Abstract
Along the East coast of the United States there is a popular recreational cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fishery. In 2022 cobia regulations in Florida were adjusted to be more conservative following a population decline. Cobia in the region often associate with large chondrichthyan species like giant manta rays (Mobula birostris) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) during their migrations throughout the year. Among local recreational anglers, a wellknown method of finding and landing cobia involves tracking ray migrations and fishing near them. Manta rays are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to their slow maturation, low fecundity, and vulnerability to direct and indirect fishing-related mortality. While it is prohibited to target and harvest mantas in Florida waters, they are often sighted with trailing fishing gear reasonably attributable to recreational anglers.
The objective of this study is to gain insight into recreational angler perceptions, knowledge, and behavior regarding the recreational cobia fishery and the effect it has on manta rays through semi-structured interviews with expert anglers in this fishery. These key informants were chosen non-randomly through snowball sampling. Collected data were analyzed and used to establish a best practices guide for fishing for cobia to best avoid interaction with manta rays. Major findings of the study include positive attitudes from anglers toward cobia and manta ray conservation, a reportedly drastic change in cobia average size and distribution, and a high occurrence of accidental hooking of manta rays while fishing for cobia. Anglers also report that the cobia fishery, which was once dominated by a small group of experienced anglers, is now more accessible. Respondents report this uptake in accessibility and increase in fishing pressure is negatively impacting both the cobia fishery and the manta ray population in Florida.