Shark-Fishing Forum Reveals Destructive Practices Despite Good Intentions
A new study identifies hundreds of instances of illegal shark fishing in Florida. The analysis suggests that many fishermen value sustainable fishing but are often skeptical of—or outright resistant to—many of the efforts to promote it.
In Florida shark fishing is a popular sport. A quick Google search turns up dozens of charter boat companies offering to take tourists out to catch the “big one.” “Great family fun,” one advertises. “Jump in the chair and battle one of these amazing fish,” says another.
In many cases, it’s catch and release. Sometimes, if it’s the right species—a blacktip, for example—it will be slaughtered and eaten.
Not everyone fishes for sharks from a boat, though. Land-based shark anglers fish from the beach or a pier instead.
Nearly a quarter of all sharks and their related species, including skates, rays, and chimaeras, are considered to be threatened with extinction. While commercial shark fishing is believed to be the biggest driver of shark
