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Scientists and fishers urge public education, data collection as shore‑based shark angling rises
Summary
At a July 9 meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, staff and researchers described growth in shore‑based shark angling and recommended targeted education, clearer reporting and a menu of regulatory options; commercial tackle shops and charter operators offered to help with outreach.
Greg Hanks, principal fisheries biologist with the council staff, told the meeting that shore‑based shark angling has grown markedly over the past decade and that available data are largely anecdotal.
"The vast majority of the species being caught from the shore are not prohibited species," Hanks said, while noting that data collection is difficult because many anglers fish at night and do not participate in standard intercept surveys. He said a small municipal survey found limited interest among towns for state assistance but stressed the council’s role in public education and developing preferred management measures.
Public commenters who fish commercially and run tackle shops urged outreach and clearer rules. "Shark fishing should absolutely be legal. 100%," said Scott Thomas, manager of Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park, adding that his shop educates customers about legal and safe handling practices and that retailers can help distribute materials.
Enforcement lieutenant Christopher Pucceli said officers have emphasized outreach but have also issued summonses for serious mishandling, and that social media posts are being used as part of evidence when violations are investigated. "They've conducted thousands of inspections and issued over a 100 summonses," Pucceli said.
Speakers described a range of management options used in other states: Florida’s permit and training program, New York’s limits on gear and casting methods, and Massachusetts’ restrictions tailored to white sharks. Hanks noted that a stock assessment for sandbar sharks could lead to quotas that would change shore‑based management approaches.
Council members and advisers repeatedly asked for better, site‑specific enforcement and research data, including patrol logs and tagging work that can illuminate movements. Several speakers urged user‑friendly materials for tackle shops, marinas and town offices rather than signage that might attract more anglers to specific beaches.
The council did not take immediate regulatory action at the meeting but agreed to consider committee work and follow‑up: potential committee meetings, additional municipal outreach, and the development of an education and best‑practices guidance package to distribute through tackle shops and local authorities. The presentation and public comments emphasized education, clearer reporting and coordination among researchers, enforcement, industry and municipalities as the near‑term priorities.
