Long Island Fisherman Charged in Massachusetts for Allegedly Capturing Great White Shark

A Long Island fisherman has been charged in Massachusetts with animal cruelty and multiple violations related to shark fishing. Christopher Stefanou, 30, was arraigned Wednesday in Barnstable Superior Court.

Prosecutors allege that in October 2025, Stefanou and his crew targeted and captured a nine-and-a-half-foot-long great white shark, identified as "Aaron the Shark." This shark was known to be tagged and monitored by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC).

The incident report states that Stefanou dragged the shark onto the beach, where he and his associates allegedly celebrated and took photographs with the animal before releasing it. Footage posted on social media by Stefanou allegedly showed the use of prohibited equipment, including a drone, for the capture and retrieval of the shark.

Stefanou faces charges including cruelty to animals, illegal shore-based shark fishing, unauthorized possession of a prohibited species, illegal luring and capture of a white shark, and illegal mechanized bait deployment. Massachusetts regulations prohibit shore-based shark fishing with equipment designed to lure and capture large species, particularly white sharks, in waters surrounding Cape Cod.

Stefanou's social media presence advertises him as a fishing charter guide, showcasing numerous photos and videos of him catching sharks and other large marine creatures. He was previously featured in a 2020 New York Times article where he expressed concern for endangered species and stated his efforts to handle them safely.

Stefanou's attorney, Jon A. Ciraulo, stated that his client is an experienced angler who respects the sport, participates in conservation efforts, assists with marine research, and educates others on responsible angling. Ciraulo emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Stefanou maintains his innocence.

Stefanou was ordered held on $10,000 bail. The judge also mandated that Stefanou remove all videos of the incident from social media, cease advertising fishing activities in Massachusetts waters, refrain from posting about the case, surrender his fishing license, and stay out of Massachusetts except for legal proceedings. He is also prohibited from fishing, boating, or using drones in the state.

Stefanou's next court appearance is scheduled for December 11. Representatives from Stefanou's legal team, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and the AWSC were contacted for comment.