Commission to study shore-based shark fishing, chumming and drone safety; chumming prohibition included in upcoming beach ordinance

Commissioners and members of the public raised safety concerns about shore-based shark fishing at the May 26 meeting and asked the city to clarify what local regulation is possible.

Commissioner Robinson described a recent crowded shore-based fishing incident in which a line apparently snagged a beachgoer and the angler left chum and gear on the sand, creating hazards for pedestrians and swimmers. Several commissioners noted neighboring municipalities (Treasure Island, Indian Shores, Redington Shores) have enacted shore-based shark-fishing bans; others cautioned local ordinances can be challenged under state law or by Florida Fish and Wildlife.

"I personally witnessed a fisherman doing shore-based shark fishing in a very, very crowded environment this weekend," Commissioner Maldonado said. "He was using chum and leaving the condition behind; it's shameful that there was no regard for people in the water."

Commissioner Marriott suggested the city focus on prohibiting specific dangerous behaviors — especially chumming and disposing of carcasses near shore — rather than categorically banning fishing from public beaches, which may have constitutional and state-law protections. Staff noted the draft beach ordinance scheduled for first reading on June 9 contains language that would prohibit "chumming the water when fishing for any species from the beach or when fishing in waters adjacent to the beach" and would prohibit improper disposal of caught carcasses.

The commission asked the city attorney to prepare a memorandum of law outlining legal constraints and liability issues and to evaluate drone safety questions raised during public comments. The city attorney said he would prepare a legal memorandum and supporting documents for the commission.

Provenance: Discussion and direction to prepare a memorandum of law SEG 2866–SEG 3070.