The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will present proposed restrictions on anglers that target sharks, particularly those who fish from land, during its winter meetings in St. Augustine.
According to the FWC, the proposals, which come after months of seeking public input, will increase survival of released sharks, improve information gathering about the fishery and address some of the public safety concerns related to the fishery.
“Shore-based shark fishing (SBSF) is a high interest topic with passionate stakeholders advocating for diverse management actions and philosophies,” the FWC stated in its summary memorandum. “Increased public interest in shark conservation combined with growing human use of coastal areas and increasing attention surrounding SBSF has led to increasing public concerns about shark mortality and disagreements about the compatibility of SBSF and other shore-based recreational activities.”
Among the potential changes that will be on the agenda:
- -Create a mandatory, no-cost, annual shore-based shark fishing permit
- -Prohibit chumming while fishing from beaches
- -Prohibit delaying the release of prohibited shark species
- -Require prohibited species remain in the water (shore and vessel) as much as practical without putting the angler in danger
- -Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks with live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel)
- -Require the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook (shore and vessel)
The meetings, which will be held on Dec 12-13 at the Renaissance World Golf Village in St. Augustine, will also include an opportunity for public input.
Interested in learning more about safe and responsible shore-based shark fishing? Check out the Sharkophile’s guide to land-based fishing.