The Cownose ray population has been growing roughly 10% every year for the past 15 years or so.
The large inshore sharks that feed on rays were killed off by recs and comm. fishing. Big Bulls , Lemons , Hammerheads are scarce now.
Some estimate the shark population at about 5 %.
Hammerheads are about 2 %.
With no commercial value and very questionable table fare - rays just keep breeding.
The brown water is sorta tied into the rays. The devour oysters and clams that filter the water.
Each year - water quality gets worse and the dissolved oxygen levels are shallower each year. One reason we are seeing bigger Rock in 25 feet.
Years ago - they would hang out near 40 feet of water.
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