Objective 3

If the program designed for use in objective 2 is able to accurately assign size categories to sharks caught, then this allows a chance to revisit these assumptions regarding the weights of sharks caught. Instead of assuming a constant weight based on location and time of catch, each individual caught can be assigned a weight based on its size category. While this is still not as ideal as having specific weights for each shark, it represents a dramatic improvement over the previous estimation methods while adding no additional onus upon fleet operators. Aside from allowing for more accurate catch statistics, increased knowledge about the size and distribution of these sharks could help improve our understanding of their life history and ecology.