The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says its initial review found no violations related to the species of two sharks reported dead near Redington Beach.
FWC received reports involving two dead sharks on Sept. 6 and reviewed photographs connected to the incidents.
The agency identified the sharks as a bull shark and a blacktip shark, both of which can be legally harvested in Florida when state fishing regulations are followed. The finding clarifies one of the biggest questions surrounding the incidents, but it does not necessarily resolve every issue involving how the sharks were caught, handled or processed.
FWC Reviewed Photos From the Incidents
Beachgoers had reported seeing a man handling sharks near the shoreline over two consecutive weekends.
In the more recent incident, witnesses said a shark’s tail had been removed while a hook remained in its mouth and that the rest of the animal was left on the beach.
A similar incident was reported the previous weekend, when witnesses said pieces of another shark were placed into a kayak and later returned to the water near an area used by swimmers.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reviewed photographs associated with the reports and determined that the sharks shown were species Florida recreational anglers are permitted to harvest.
No criminal charge or citation related to the species harvested has been announced.
Bull Sharks and Blacktip Sharks Can Be Legally Harvested in Florida
Florida divides harvestable shark species into groups with different size requirements.
Blacktip sharks are included among species that may be recreationally harvested with no minimum size requirement. Bull sharks may also be legally harvested, but they must meet a minimum size requirement of 54 inches fork length.
Florida’s recreational bag limit is generally one shark per person per day, with a maximum of two sharks per vessel per day. Those rules apply only to shark species that are legal to harvest. Several other shark species found in Florida waters are protected and must be released.
FWC’s initial finding means the species shown in the Redington-area photographs were not prohibited sharks.
The Finding Does Not Mean Every Question Has Been Answered
The distinction matters because FWC’s reported conclusion relates specifically to the species harvested.
Florida has additional rules covering licenses, permits, shark-fishing methods and handling requirements. Anyone intentionally targeting or keeping sharks while fishing from shore must complete the state’s Shark-Smart Fishing educational course and obtain a shore-based shark fishing permit.
Shore-based shark anglers using live or dead natural bait must also use approved circle hooks and carry equipment capable of quickly cutting a hook or leader when necessary. Publicly available information has not confirmed whether the person described by witnesses had the required fishing license and shore-based shark fishing permit.
Florida Also Regulates How Harvested Sharks Are Handled
State rules require sharks retained for harvest to remain in whole condition, with the head, tail and fins attached until the shark is landed.
That requirement is separate from the question of whether the shark species itself may legally be harvested.
Protected sharks must remain in the water and be released without unnecessary delay. The available information has not established whether any other handling or permitting violation occurred in connection with the Redington incidents.
FWC Encourages Reports of Suspected Wildlife Violations
FWC asks members of the public who believe they have witnessed illegal fishing or wildlife activity to report it through the agency’s Wildlife Alert program.
Reports can be made anonymously by calling them. For now, FWC’s review has established that the sharks involved were bull and blacktip sharks, both legal species to harvest under Florida regulations.
The agency’s finding should not be read as confirmation that every licensing, permitting or handling requirement connected to the incidents was satisfied.