A new social media trend involving fishermen luring sharks toward New Jersey beaches for photographs is raising concerns among local officials about a potential increase in shark attacks.
Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis has voiced apprehension after videos emerged showing anglers catching large sharks near the shore. In one instance, a group reportedly hauled an eight-foot bull shark onto the beach to pose for pictures. Some fishermen have utilized kayaks and drones to transport bait approximately 100 yards offshore before reeling sharks back toward land.
Mayor Curtis expressed concern that the practice of chumming is attracting predators to areas frequented by swimmers. "It’s not illegal to fish here. It’s not illegal to fish for shark, but it is bringing in predators, they’re looking for food and there’s a lot of swimmers here," Curtis told CBS News. He also noted that leftover bait could drift shoreward, potentially drawing sharks even closer to beachgoers.
Reports indicate that at least four bull sharks and a tiger shark have been caught by surf fishermen along the Jersey Shore amidst this recent activity. Curtis stated he had personally observed people chumming for sharks during daylight hours.
The mayor acknowledged that Bay Head has limited authority to halt the practice, as shark fishing and chumming are not explicitly illegal. Consequently, the town has passed a resolution urging fishermen to adhere to state and federal fishing regulations, while lifeguards continue to monitor the waters.
While shark sightings have occurred along the Jersey Shore this summer, no attacks have been directly linked to this specific trend. Shark fishing charter operator Kenny Rosenblatt commented that most fishermen handle sharks responsibly, but conceded that some do not.
Captain John Schaible defended some fishermen, stating, "They are just having fun. They’re not killing them. They’re maybe taking a couple pictures with them and letting them go." However, Curtis countered that placing bait in the water so close to shore presents an unnecessary risk.
In response to the growing controversy, shark fishermen have launched a petition advocating for New Jersey officials to protect "responsible" land-based and drone-assisted shark fishing. The petition, titled "Support Responsible Land-Based Shark Fishing in New Jersey," proposes stricter safety measures, such as prohibiting fishing near active swimmers or when lifeguards are on duty, immediately releasing prohibited species, and using appropriate gear. It also supports drone-assisted fishing where permitted and calls for minimizing the time sharks are kept out of the water before release.
The debate occurs as shark sightings have become more frequent off the New Jersey coast this summer. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife biologist Greg Hinks described the reports of bull sharks as "unprecedented," with sightings occurring "every week, almost every day." Warmer ocean temperatures and abundant prey like squid and sand eels are believed to contribute to the increased presence of some shark species.
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibit the removal of prohibited shark species from the water and require their immediate release. Taking a prohibited species onto the beach for photographs violates federal regulations. The list of prohibited species includes white, sand tiger, sandbar, and dusky sharks, among others. Officials also warn against dragging sharks to be released across dry sand, as it can damage their skin and gills. Fishermen are advised to handle sharks in shallow water or cut the line if safe release is difficult.
The Jersey Shore has a historical connection to shark activity, notably the series of attacks in July 1916, where five people were attacked and four died over 12 days, an event that influenced the novel and film "Jaws."
Mayor Curtis emphasized that his concern is not to prevent fishermen and swimmers from sharing the coastline but to encourage greater caution. "Common sense and consideration for everybody," he stated. "Everybody can coexist, just be a little careful with what you are doing."