Featured Post from University of Delaware

Research explores recreational shark fishing's impact on protected species

Nov 3, 2023

2 min

Aaron Carlisle


In Delaware, recreational shark fishing is popular, with anglers taking part in half- and full-day shark fishing trips. However, they are prohibited from keeping protected species of sharks.


A University of Delaware research team led by Aaron Carlisle, assistant professor in UD's School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP), is studying the impact of releasing these sharks, aiming to understand their post-release survival and how fishing operations handle them. Carlisle, graduate student Bethany Brodbeck and Ed Hale, assistant professor and aquaculture specialist for Delaware Sea Grant, are conducting the field research for the study, riding along with recreational fishing vessels to better understand what happens to sharks when they are caught and released.


Another component to the research is being led by George Parsons, E.I. du Pont Professor at UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, who is looking at the economic aspect, using survey-based research to value the shark fishery and study anglers’ perceptions and attitudes toward sharks and their management.


Carlisle said the two concurrent studies will help gauge the biological and economic impacts of the shark fishery in Delaware.


“We want to find out how much money the fishery is actually drawing to the economy,” Carlisle said. “We also want to find out how the fishery is actually impacting the populations of sharks in Delaware, especially the protected ones.”


The research was funded by Delaware Sea Grant, which helps communities wisely use, manage and conserve coastal resources.


To arrange an interview with Carlisle, simply click on the link to his profile. Pressing the contact button and using the form will send your request directly to him and a member of UD's media relations team.

Connect with:
Aaron Carlisle

Aaron Carlisle

Associate Professor, Marine Science and Policy

Prof. Carlisle research focuses on how the environment and organismal biology interact to influence the ecology of species.

Stable Isotope EcologyEvolutionary BiologyPhysiological EcologyMarine FishesBiological Sciences

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

2 min

University of Delaware secures $13.1M grant to transform Alzheimer’s research and prevention

A new five-year $13.1 million grant will greatly expand the ability of University of Delaware researchers to pursue ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. The gift from the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is one of the largest in state history for Alzheimer’s research. UD's Christopher Martens called the grant "transformational," as it will support the expansion of a statewide prevention study, enable the purchase of a state-of-the-art MRI machine and drive discovery of new diagnostic tools and treatments. “It will also help grow the number of researchers in Delaware focused on Alzheimer’s disease, promoting an interdisciplinary approach." said Martens, director of UD's Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research (DECCAR) and professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in the College of Health Sciences. Bringing together researchers from multiple fields to collaborate on a critical challenge like Alzheimer’s disease is a key strength of the University of Delaware, said Interim President Laura Carlson. “Every one of us has a family member or friend who has been deeply affected by Alzheimer’s. I’m proud that UD is working better to understand this terrible disease and partnering with others throughout the state to work on its prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” Carlson said. “We are grateful to the Delaware Community Foundation for their support, which allows us to escalate our research and expand our community outreach.” “No one has to look very far afield to witness and understand the tragedy of Alzheimer’s, and the research supported by this grant will help UD researchers come ever-closer to uncovering life-improving and life-saving solutions,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF). “The grant was provided through the generosity of late Paul H. Boerger, who made a substantial legacy gift to the fund he had established at the DCF in his lifetime, and his foresight will help so many.” The gift is aimed at achieving the following goals: • Tracking Alzheimer’s risk over time – Expanding Delaware’s largest study of brain aging from 100 to 500 participants to uncover who develops dementia and why. • A simple blood test for early detection – Developing a first-of-its-kind test that could diagnose Alzheimer’s years earlier than current methods. • Cutting-edge brain imaging – Installing a $3.2 million MRI machine on UD’s STAR Campus to reveal hidden brain changes linked to memory loss. • Spotting the earliest warning signs – Exploring how subtle shifts in language and menopause-related hormone changes may predict Alzheimer’s risk. • Fueling prevention and cures – Creating powerful data and tools that will accelerate new treatments and bring researchers closer to stopping Alzheimer’s. To reach Martens for an interview, visit his profile and click on the "contact" button. Interviews with DCF officials can be arranged by emailing MediaRelations@udel.edu.

2 min

Empowering independence: Blue Envelope program facilitates safer communication between drivers with disabilities and police

University of Delaware, in close collaboration with Delaware State Police, the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, the Office of Highway Safety, and the Delaware DMV, has co-developed the Blue Envelope Program – now launched statewide as of Aug. 26, 2025. The program offers no-questions-asked, no-ID-required, free envelopes that drivers with disabilities (including communication differences, sensory needs, mobility limitations, or other differences) can keep in their vehicle. The envelope includes space for emergency contact or medical notes, instructions for law enforcement and tips to ensure safe, respectful, clear exchanges during traffic stops. The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies helped review and approve the content and design to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. UD experts – including Sarah Mallory (Associate Director of the Center for Disabilities Studies) and Alisha Fletcher (Director, Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism) – are available to speak about how the program supports an underserved and underrepresented group and improves outcomes in law enforcement encounters. Why This Matters: Traffic stops can be stressful for drivers with disabilities and can lead to misinterpretations or heightened risk. The Blue Envelope helps reduce misunderstandings while preserving dignity and safety. Delaware joins around 10 other states (including Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) in adopting a traffic-stop communication aid for drivers with disabilities This is a practical, no-barrier solution that promotes equity, accessibility, and respectful law enforcement practices. To speak with either Mallory or Fletcher to learn more about the program's development, impact and what’s next, email mediarelations@udel.edu.

2 min

Spitting image: What the blunder by Philadelphia Eagles' Carter can teach us about teams

Social media caught fire when Philadelphia Eagles' defensive tackle Jalen Carter got tossed for spitting on Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap of this year's NFL season opener. While the impact on the game was obvious, what unfolded on the field of play has lessons for the workplace and the boardroom. The University of Delaware's Kyle Emich can talk about the parallels between the two worlds when individuals let their teams down. Emich, a professor of management in UD's Lerner College of Business and Economics, said emotional events occur all the time in the workplace, especially in board rooms, where the atmosphere is often competitive. "Emotion regulation is a key part of harnessing motivation appropriately in a competitive context," Emich said. • Early on, the Cowboys were able to regulate their emotions to tap into the incident when they roared out to several seamless offensive drives. • Emich says the Eagles' young, inexperienced and not-yet-gelled defensive unit was unable to regulate their emotions and preserve their confidence (collective efficacy) after the incident. They were unable to stop Dallas in the first half. • Carter's act could also have served as an emotion regulation cue for both teams. The Eagles defense was unable to regulate and maintain stability, leading to a number of costly penalties. But the Cowboys seemed to have had the same issue when they retaliated with personal fouls of their own. •  In the end, the Eagles were able to come together under the leadership of their coach, Nick Sirianni, and quarterback, Jalen Hurts, to secure a 24-20 victory. To connect with Emich for an interview, visit his profile page and click on the "contact" button.

View all posts
Powered by