The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (Council) met in Galloway Township on July 9 for one of their regular bi-monthly meetings, with the subject of recreational shark fishing – particularly on the beachfront – taking up much of the night’s discussion.
In a presentation by Greg Hinks, principal biologist for the New Jersey Marine Resources Administration, challenges from New Jersey’s shore-based shark fishery were brought front and center before the Council. Hinks’ slide presentation specifically noted how the popularity of surf shark fishing has grown significantly along the Jersey Shore in recent years, posing problems with both enforcement and data collection through intercepts, particularly given how much of this fishery is done at night.
Since the sharks encountered most by surfcasters are federally prohibited species like sandbar sharks (browns) and sand tigers, safe handling and release has become one issue of concern. And while the state of New Jersey does not necessarily restrict shark fishing from the beach, there are specific regulations related to targeting sharks in the state, including mandatory use of non-offset, corrodible, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with bait.
Hinks went to describe how other states manage the surf shark fishery, pointing at Florida which requires a shark fishing permit as well as safe handling/release gear to be used by surfcasters. Scott Thomas from Grumpys Tackle and Yakkity Yaks Kayaks, both in Seaside Park, said that a majority of customers stopping in to gear up after 5 p.m. during most summer evenings are targeting sharks on the beach, and that all are instructed about proper handling at the point of sale. “Every customer coming out of our shop is educated,” Thomas said, pointing to the Florida regulations for land-based shark fishing and adding “we want it to be legal, but we want it to be safe for the shark.” He went on to say that Grumpys is selling 150 pounds of mackerel a week during the height of the summer, ostensibly to shark fishermen.
As noted during the Council presentation, surf fishing for sharks in New Jersey must also be safe for the angler. Lieutenant Chris Petruccelli with New Jersey’s Bureau of Law Enforcement cited one example of a young man who had a shark on the line in the surf in South Jersey, wading out into waist deep water to leader and land his shark, only to find a 7-foot bull shark at the end of his line. The bull shark is known for its aggressive nature and is known to be responsible for a large portion of nearshore shark attacks.
According to Lt. Petruccelli, the marine enforcement perspective in New Jersey is that there’s a 50/50 mix between experienced and inexperienced anglers in the land-based shark fishery, citing the need for discussion on safe handling measures. He also noted that conservation officers are actively enforcing legal shark fishing on New Jersey beaches, while also confirming for The Fisherman that social media accounts (including Facebook posts) are monitored for regulatory compliance in proper handling of prohibited species.
“It’s certainly one of the factors for this type of violation, it’s not criminal, it’s a preponderance of the evidence, it’s civil in nature, it’s sort of like getting a parking ticket,” said Lt. Petruccelli, adding “any little piece of evidence is not going to make a case, but multiple pieces of evidence will, so social media will certainly come into play in whether or not we get a successful prosecution.” In terms of the growing popularity of sharking fishing on the beach, Lt. Petruccelli added “it’s highly influenced by social media.”
In response to the July 9th discussion, the Council prioritized a meeting of their shark advisory committee in advance of their next meeting in September, while soliciting volunteers from the audience to participate in that particular committee from the land-based shark community.
Also noted during the Council meeting was an upcoming stock assessment on sandbar sharks which could potentially change the federal status of that particular species. Sandbar sharks are currently under a federal rebuilding plan, but many observers believe that fishery could already be rebuilt.
Capt. Kevin Wark of Barnegat Light who sits on the Council agreed that the time has come for the discussion of a sensible fishery, whether by harvest or allowing targeting catch and release. “This whole shark thing has been gearing up for years, everything has really changed a lot,” said Wark, adding “there are a lot of details to be ironed out.”
At this point, the ironing of details is officially underway in the state of New Jersey. The next meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council will take place at 5 p.m. on September 10 at the Bay Avenue Community Center at 775 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin.
