Winners declared in Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Four sharks satellite-tagged for conservation research during catch-and-release shark tournament series

For Immediate Release: 5-23-10

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge wrapped up Sunday at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium with the presentation of a $10,000 grand prize check to team Pole Dancer.

The team's anglers Wayne Nichols and Zac Gerzeny won the Challenge by collecting the most points for the types and sizes of the sharks they caught and released Saturday and Sunday during the final round of the Challenge. (The first round took place April 30-May 2 from Burnt Store Marina in Charlotte Harbor.)

Gerzeny, who boosted his team's score by catching his first great hammerhead shark, said "This is my dream, ever since I can remember."

But the real winners in this all-release shark fishing tournament were the sharks, said the organizers, scientists, anglers and conservationists who came together to create a successful event. The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge was designed to be a "next generation" model for shark fishing competitions that supported shark protection while still providing spectators and anglers a thrilling event.

"I love the idea of catch and release," said co-winner Nichols. "There's no sense in hanging up a dead shark if you don't have to. With Mote and Guy Harvey it's a winning combination all around."

During the Challenge, anglers competed by catching, tagging and releasing sharks. Mote scientists also tagged four of the sharks caught by

Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge blends conservation, competitive fishing

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Sat, 22 May 2010 09:08:47 GMT

PUNTA GORDA, FLA. "Shark on!" comes the shout from a group of anglers who have managed to snag a prized ocean predator and a chase boat speeds off after them at nearly 60 miles an hour. The scientists and tournament organizers pull alongside and watch as the fishermen carefully measure and tag the shark, tethered in the water alongside their boat and hopefully no worse for wear.

Most shark tournaments follow a similar ritual: Contestants haul up sharks and bring them back to the dock, where the by now dead animals are weighed and measured so judges can declare a winner. But in the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge, which had a qualifying competition earlier this month and will culminate in a final round of fishing this weekend, the sharks get away with their lives.

The idea of catching sharks and freeing them for entertainment is a new twist on the old sport the latest effort by conservationists and scientists to protect dwindling shark populations.

With some shark species, such as oceanic whitetip and porbeagle, declining by more than 90 percent in some regions because of intense demand for their fins and meat, environmentalists and some policymakers are seeking to impose new restrictions on shark fishing both off U.S. shores and around the globe. But these efforts have had mixed success. Last month Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale, distribution or possession of

Press Release & Bull Tagging Video

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:05:03 GMT

We've heard AND seen some very productive reports from teams pre-fishing the event. There have been some impressive bull sharks and numerous great hammers caught and released so we're looking forward to playing with the sharks one more time before it's all over. Be sure and tell your friends about the Championship Weekend. There's going to be a lot to do and see while we're out on the water.

One thing before the press release. We were able to capture some great footage during the Qualifier, and this quick video sequence was initially prepared for the media. However! We wanted to share it with all of you here. Check it out and be sure to pass it along.

Catch-and-Release Shark Tournament Series finale will include fun and informative events for adults and kids

For Immediate Release: 5-17-10 (please read to end for details)

Sharks and more sharks are on tap at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota this Friday through Sunday where the final round of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge kicks off on Friday.

The weekend has a full slate of activities for the public including a line-up of internationally

Qualifying Round Recap & Photos - GH Ultimate Shark Challenge

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:39:33 GMT

Article posted by Sean and Brooks Paxton
SFMI Advisors and Tournament Directors of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge machine was running on all cylinders and performed extremely well on its first run. The level of teamwork and professional execution between anglers, teams, observers, chase and intercept vessels, researchers, production crew, tournament and Guy Harvey personnel, location host facilities, all the support staff and press and media exceeded our expectations. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our sponsors and everyone who supported and believed in this event.

Back Row: Houston Thomas, Sean Rice, David McQuade, Thomas Burt, Richard Procezyn, Zac Gerzeny, Wayne Nichols, Jimmy Willis. Front Row: Howard Chappel, Walter Munoz, Jay Withers, Mike Manis, Bill Deluna, Joe Miller, Bucky Dennis, Randy Perry. Down in front, L-R: Tournament Directors: Captain Robert Moore, Brooks Paxton II, Sean Paxton.

There's a lot more to see and read below, but first, a quick recap of the team standings and who's headed to the championship. Our hats off to every single angler and team for their participation, hard work, and for putting on one heck of a show out there!

The day has finally arrived ...

Nikki Lev, the tournament's mascot (a rare half-french bull dog and half-land shark mix) made her first public appearance at this weekend's kickoff festivities.

All anglers, including Team Peter's Restaurant (Jimmy Willis & Bucky Dennis pictured left) conducted their pre-competition interviews for the

Five Teams Heading to Finale of "Next Generation" Shark Tournament

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:26:41 GMT

Bucky Dennis, Jimmy Willis 8-foot, 2-inch bull shark; First fish of the competition and largest catch overall Bill Deluna, Richard Procezyn 6-foot

Catch, Release, Conserve: The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:13:53 GMT

Catch-and-Release Shark Tournament Series is a New Model for Sport Fishing of Vulnerable Predators

For Immediate Release: 4-20-10

RANK	TEAM NAME	ANGLERS	SCORE	CATCH
1	Team Peter's Restaurant	730
2	Team Chubby'z	610

Sport fishing, science, business and humane interests are coming together for the first time in support of a new kind of catch-and-release fishing tournament for sharks that demonstrates that a fishing competition really can support shark protection while providing the excitement that spectators and anglers have come to expect.

The new Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge series is a catch-and-release only competition off the Southwest Florida coast, beginning with a qualifying round April 30 May 2 at Burnt Store Marina in Lee County and concluding with a Grand Championship Finale May 21-23 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. During the tournament, fishermen will compete by catching sharks and scientists will tag the sharks for conservation research purposes to learn more about the animals' travels in the wild. Spectators will be able to watch the action live via video from the boats.

For the first time, what we call a ‘love 'em and leave 'em' shark tournament will be transformed into a true spectator sport," said Sean Paxton. He and his brother, Brooks, known as the Shark Brothers, are creators and directors of the event. Along with Co-Director and Associate Producer Capt. Robert Moore, they said: "Our shared vision for this tournament is to effectively combine the goals of sport, science and conservation. By leveraging modern broadcast technology, we'll also be providing
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20ft Hammerhead caught in Australia a disgrace

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:07:43 GMT

We need Shark-free Marinas in Australia, and SFMI needs Regional Ambassadors to start working in their Australian regions.

This story of a 40 year old hammerhead being caught and destroyed for 'display' is an absolute disgrace. The Great Hammerhead is listed by the IUCN as Globally Endangered and there is no excuse for harvesting such an animal simply for display. This was a breeding age specimen, an animal this size serves no commercial purpose for food (except for the fin trade) and countries like Australia should set a better example.

Even worse is that the notoriously inept and national disgrace, Vic Hislop, has bought the specimen and it will now reside in his museum as another display of his monsters of the ocean. For those of you who haven't been to his little sideshow it's full is mis-truths and propaganda... everything from doctored photos of divers being attacked right through to his 'informative' videos of why sharks need to be eliminated. The museum is also filled with his catches: many, many breeding age and endangered sharks from Great Whites to Hammerheads and Tigers.

This is a catch that should not have been allowed. Quite simply this animal should have been released and if the fishermen had launched from a Shark-Free Marina this would have been a requirement. Right now SFMI needs regional Ambassadors in Australia to approach their local marinas and ask them to register as 'Shark-Free'. The process costs them absolutely nothing and they will receive free dock
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The 10 Million Dong Vietnamese Shark Hunt

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:22:12 GMT

In the days of a more socially aware fishing community it is sad to see the backwards Jaws logic being still applied overseas. Here's one such example of an issue that serves to highlight how much work there is to do in Asian countries and why examples need to be set in our own backyards.

The Backstory

Since July 2009 there have been around 10 people attacked by a shark in the Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province of Vietnam. On January 9 2010 three people where bitten in one day by a shark that weighed anything from 20-40 kilograms according to it's victims. While local fishermen acknowledge the presence of sharks in the waters there has still never been a fatal attack in the area. Here's where the story gets messy:

Authorities at Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province have announced a reward for anybody who catches a large fish, believed to be a shark, that recently attacked people who bathed at the city’s beach.

Authorities decided that their solution to a Rogue shark was to issue a 10 million Dong reward (around US$400) for the fisherman who brings in the dead animal. Really? Are we back in the Jaws days? All they stipulated was that the culprit is of an unknown species with a bite diameter of around 19cm.

Surely this must strike others as less than sensible. With no way to prove that a caught shark is the culprit this will be a continued witch hunt driven by government sponsored financial reward.
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The Shark Brothers on SFMI and Humane Society

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:38:28 GMT

Everything else is wasteful posturing and a lot of getting ready to get ready so enough, already. It's been our personal experience that effective results can only come from rolling up the shirtsleeves and just getting it done.

When we were first introduced to the Shark Free Marinas Initiative early last year, the doers behind the effort, like us, were deeply entrenched in the getting it done part of our respective efforts to effect rationally sustainable policies and practices. However, while so many other conservation aims miss their mark, this viable new concept, and more importantly, the people behind it, were immediately compelling to us, by virtue of the fact they weren't repelling, as so many others almost inherently are.

They believe in adding collaboration to the mix of forward-thinking effectiveness, and that's why we support them. They are among the exceptions and not the rule. As far as creating results go, they've already achieved many, but you can add the following puzzle piece to their emerging and expanding picture of success. Congratulations to everyone involved.

This post is from the blog of Sean Paxton.

About the Shark Brothers

Sean and Brooks Paxton (aka the 'Shark Brothers') are SFMI Advisors.
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The Humane Society of the United States Joins Shark-Free Marinas to Reduce Killing of Ocean’s ...

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:43:12 GMT

‘Shark-Free Marina Initiative’ promotes catch-and-release

Note: There are Shark-Free Marinas in Harwich, Mass.; Key Largo, Fla.; Miami; Tequesta, Fla.; Vero Beach, Fla.; and West Alton, Mo.

Fittingly, the effort is called the “Shark-Free Marina Initiative” and seeks the support of marina operators worldwide to prohibit the landing of any shark on their premises, thus encouraging catch-and-release fishing. To help publicize the plight of sharks and the need for their protection, The HSUS and SFMI are supplying signs and public information to participating marinas in the U.S. and the Caribbean.

“The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to join the efforts of the Shark-Free Marina Initiative,” said John Grandy, Ph.D., senior vice president of wildlife for The HSUS. “The HSUS works tirelessly to end animal cruelty, exploitation and neglect and is deeply concerned by the deteriorating status of shark populations.”

Luke Tipple, executive director of the Initiative, said, “The Shark-Free Marina Initiative welcomes the support of The Humane Society of the United States and its members to protect beleaguered shark species.”

The HSUS, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, strives to end the killing of sharks in sport tournaments around the United States, and works to raise public awareness about celebrating ocean life instead of destroying it.
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Thresher Sharks Protected by Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:30:05 GMT

Press Release

Thresher Sharks Protected by Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Busan, Korea 05.03.10. The Shark Alliance is applauding a historic ban on fishing for thresher sharks - oceanic species distinguished by their long, scythe-like tails – adopted today by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) at their annual meeting in Korea. The proposal to protect all three thresher species, offered by the European Union (EU), earned support from Japan, and passed in a secret ballot, 14-3. It was the first vote ever taken by the consensus-minded commission and sets the IOTC as the leading international fisheries body in terms of shark species protection.

“We congratulate the EU for championing groundbreaking protections for thresher sharks on the high seas,” said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust, a member of the Shark Alliance. “We also applaud the other Indian Ocean Tuna Commission members that have recognized the need to take a precautionary and internationally cooperative approach in the conservation of such highly migratory and vulnerable species.”

In 2008, scientists identified the bigeye thresher as the Atlantic, oceanic shark at highest risk of overfishing which led to protection for this one thresher species under the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in 2009. All species of thresher sharks are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as globally Vulnerable.

The EU was not successful in its proposal
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SFMI Regional Ambassador named for Honduras

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:45:10 GMT

Pete's organization the Shark Legacy Project was recently instrumental in pushing for a complete moratorium on shark fishing in Honduran Waters, a tentative status that for the moment protects all sharks from slaughter. Pete's work is now really cut out for him as he works with the givernment and their officials to make this temporary bill permanent and regulated.

From Peter Wilcox Director of the Shark Legacy Project:

We've had a major victory down here. After our meetings with DIGIPESCA they pushed up the passing of a bill that has now gone into practice. It puts a moratorium on the fishing of all shark species in all the waters of Honduras! Think that makes Honduras the first in the Caribbean to have a shark sanctuary! Part of the drive behind this measure was to cease use of sharks as a resource until research can be done to evaluate the population/species of sharks here. So finally, a government willing to step in before the problem gets unmanageable.

We met with the government this last weekend to discuss how we can assist in this research (as you may be able to guess they do not
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Bite Me gamefishing charters representing SFMI

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:20:54 GMT

Just a quick one today. SFMI Regional Ambassador Stuart Gow sent over these shots of 'Bite Me', the #1 fishing boat in Fiji displaying SFMI signage on board. Kudos Guys and thanks to Stuart for all his hard work in Fiji.

Are you a marina owner/manager? Follow their example and register your facility with Shark-Free Marinas today. Want to get involved with SFMI? Visit our Regional Ambassadors page for more info.

SFMI reaches it's first member in Tonga

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:21:03 GMT

Thanks to Mike in Fiji, an SFMI Ambassador, for making this happen.

Are you a marina owner/manager? Follow their example and register your facility with Shark-Free Marinas today. Want to get involved with SFMI? Visit our Regional Ambassadors page for more info.

PADI Project Aware backs Shark-Free Marina Initiative in Fiji

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:43:52 GMT

The Shark Free Marinas program encourages shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating facility. Fishermen are not allowed to bring caught sharks into the participating marina for any purpose.

Stuart Gow, Matava Fiji said, "By asking vessels not to arrive at marinas with sharks we hope to encourage responsible sport fishing and ensure the future of healthy reefs and our islands. We look forward to signing up more marinas and charters in the coming months."

Please visit the Project Aware website and lend your support

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Vero Beach Municipal Marina now a Shark Free Marina

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:54:11 GMT

The mission of the Vero Beach Municipal Marina is to provide efficient first class service at reasonable cost to resident and visiting boaters in a manner that reflects well on the character of the City of Vero Beach. In order to fulfill our mission Marina personnel are trained to:

Exercise time and material cost consciousness, while implementing business practices that meet Marina Industry and City Standards. These practices are carried out in a labor-intensive activity requiring acute safety awareness on the part of each employee.

Act as goodwill ambassadors for the city by promoting tourism and local business patronage.

Insure that Marina and Mooring operations maintain a favorable relationship with neighboring residents, clubs and businesses.

To promote Clean Marina practices and assist in developing programs and procedures to keep the Indian River clean and environmentally safe.

Located on the East side of the Indian River Lagoon, just north of the Merrill Barber (Hwy 60) Bridge, the City of Vero Beach prides itself on being a center for maritime information and hospitality for over 3,000 visiting boats each year. These visiting boaters spend a phenomenal 20,000 overnights with us. Rental moorings and slips are available on a daily or monthly basis (call for monthly details). Gasoline, diesel, and pump out services are available on our 70 ft. fuel dock. Approaches to the fuel dock are 8-10 ft. Facilities and services include free bus
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Shark Fishing tournament engineered to aid conservation

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:33:52 GMT

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series to take place in April may 2010

- Catch and Release Shark Tournament Hailed as a Model for Sport Fishing Enthusiasts and Marine Conservationists -

Ft. Myers, FL (December 03, 2009) – Jack Donlon, original founder of The Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series, and his co-directors, Sean Paxton and Brooks Paxton II, have teamed up with renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey to present an innovative competitive event with $100,000 in cash and prizes that will serve as a model for sport fishing enthusiasts and marine conservationists.

The newly branded Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series will be a catch and
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Attention Regional Ambassadors, a shining example from one of your members

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:51:37 GMT

The staff of Shark-Free Marinas will be away at sea until the middle of November. However there is still so much work that can be done, in fact the power of SFMI is in your hands.

Here is an example of what one person can do, well, two. Duncan Brake and Jillian Morris have been on-board with SFMI since the start and are perfect examples of Regional Ambassadors. They've produced this video which we hope inspires you to go to your local marina and encourage them to be a part of the solution and reduce worldwide shark mortality. You don't have to make a video about your contribution... but if you do we promise to feature it here and give you the credit you so deserve.

Shark-Free Marina Initiative Gains Momentum

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:16:06 GMT

The Shark Free Marina Initiative is one devoted to reducing worldwide shark mortality rates. Participating marinas will prohibit the landing of any shark within the marina for any purpose (i.e. meat processing, photos, and finning). They will encourage the practice of catch and release for those who insist on sport fishing for sharks. The movement is gaining strength and spreading globally, as people realize that it can be a powerful tool in shark conservation.

Duncan Brake and I live on the island of Bimini and as regional ambassadors for the campaign, we have been working on recruiting other marinas in the Bahamas. The Bimini Sands Resort and Marina was the first in all of the Bahamas to sign onto the campaign and has motivated others to follow suit. Bimini is a special location because big game fishing is as deeply rooted in its culture as are Hemingway and rum.

Weekend warriors travel from Florida in search of a prize fish. They hit known shark diving spots, shooting fish in a barrel so to speak. They also fish for sharks within the marinas, only to haul them onto the docks, take a picture, cut out their jaws and then throw the remains back. It is important to educate those who visit and live in Bimini on the importance of sharks to the ecosystems. Conch, lobster and fishing are staples in the economy and without sharks they will
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Shark-Free Marinas ... in the Mississippi?!

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:38:15 GMT

While SFMI usually focuses it's attention to coastal facilities the Commodore of the HPYC had this to say about a species of shark that is occasionally found far from the oceans, the Bull Shark:

Many years ago a Bull Shark was documented in lock 26, just down stream from our harbor. I plan on posting the sign on one of my docks right at the Harbor Mouth where all vessels entering can see it. It will cause folks to talk about the subject and we will get the message out. As a PADI dive instructor supporting this cause is a natural.

The next time a bull shark makes it's way up the river we hope that conversations like this make people realize that this is part of the animals natural territory. Even more to the point is that these rare events make us aware that all waterways deserve equal protection and consideration from conservation efforts.

Here's a little about the facility

Harbor Point Yacht Club is a dockominium marina located on the Mississippi River in West Alton, Missouri. This private marina offers you an opportunity to own part of the harbor. This area of the river
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Mako gaff investigation continues... more revealing video surfaces

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:55:12 GMT

Last week we broke the story of a Mako Shark that was apparently free gaffed off the coast of Florida. The issue was not a moral debate about shark fishing and endangered animals, it was a legal issue of potential fishing code violations.

If you did have not yet read about the issue please read this article which outlines the potential State and federal laws broken by these fisherman.

The question we and many other groups raised was one of legality. Was the shark captured legally (ie with primary tackle consisting of rod and reel) or was the capture made with a running or conventional gaff. If the latter then this 'secondary tackle' capture was not legal and the fishermen should face the penalty.

The matter is now in the hands of the federal enforcement arm of NOAA and initial reports speculate that the fishermen may get off on a technicality. As we await final decisions we wanted you to stay informed and perhaps make a judgment for yourself. This video surfaced last week and shows more of the capture then previously shown. Initially it was playing on the Bluewater Movement website (the fishermens media agency) but it has since been removed from their Youtube channel, Facebook page and their website. We can only speculate as to why it was removed but we're guessing being investigated by the Feds may have been a motive.

Fortunately for us, before that happened one of our media friends managed to
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A letter to the Mako fishermen under federal investigation, from their peers

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:27:32 GMT

(If you have not been following this story and are unaware of it's ramifications please read the article here)

Hello Luke -

As advocates for sustainability, we've personally evolved from a place where subduing a fish like this using legal, conventional and sporting methods would've been a perfectly natural thing for us to do. This isn't to say we're any better now or holier-than-thou standing next to our fellow sportsmen. It's just us and it's a fact, based on our personal, first-hand experience with the changes we've seen 'out there' over the past three plus decades. We're the first to admit that opinions are like @**holes and elbows just about everyone's got 'em. With that said, encounters with animals like this mako are, indeed, increasingly rare. In our personal experience and first-hand observation, that 'opinion' extends from Florida to the far reaches of the northeastern seaboard where we've encountered our fair share of makos over the years. As of late, they are smaller and much less common. Imagining us in a situation, today, like these anglers found themselves in, we'd have considered hopping over the side with
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When 'One Shark' Becomes An Ambassador

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:42:44 GMT

You see it all the time. A large shark swimming on the other side of a public aquariums enclosure, an "ambassador shark". For those in the shark conservation world we have come to realize the positive effects of these solo animals on the public perception of sharks in general.

But what about dead sharks?

They too serve a purpose. Perhaps it is the sheer numbers of sharks that get taken for fins each year (60-100 million) that become the conservation movements hardest challenge.

How do you generate understanding and public sympathy for a number?

A single dead shark can generate understanding, sympathy and action. It was a single pregnant female Tiger taken in the Bahamas back in 2007 that spawned the Shark Free Marinas Initiative.

The public, no matter how jaded towards sharks, will respond to a single animal taken and killed for no obvious reason, and that is the heart if the shark conservation movement.

One shark, an ambassador for the entire species.

For a prime example of this look no further than a recent take in Ireland of an 18 foot Six Gill shark. This sport take of a single animal has managed to raise the ire and media bandwidth of many around the
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Real Men of Genius Free-Gaff Giant Mako Shark: The Honest Angler weighs in

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:09:29 GMT

This article is by Joe Cermele of Field and Streams 'Honest Angler'
(If you have not been following this story and are unaware of it's ramifications please read the article here)

The Honest Angler is a fishing Blog written by Field and Streams John Merwin and Joe Cermelle... click on the link to read the rest of this article.

Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center now Shark-Free

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:42:55 GMT

Another day another marina. This time it's Captain Slates dive center, home to passionate scuba divers from all over Florida and a marina dock that services it's boats. As a potential docking point for fishing boats with access to the rich fishing grounds of Key Largo this is a great addition to the Shark-Free Marinas program.

Their decision to join up makes an obvious point: although shark fishing, or any fishing, may not be a regular source of commerce for the marina, they should still register with SFMI. Consider the no-smoking sign, we see it everywhere and register subconsciously that smoking is bad for our health and the well-being of people around us. It is therefore not socially acceptable in public places. I mean really, who these days would light up a cigarette in an elevator? Most likely no-one, but yet there is a sign to make sure.

Shark-Free Marinas is like that. It sets socially responsible standards of conduct when dealing with threatened species of shark. The more marinas that register the more it becomes socially accepted that killing sharks is not good for our environment.

That being said not every single marina will be Shark-Free. But if 1 in 10 allows caught sharks then policing standards and fishing codes becomes that much easier, and everyone wins.

Thanks to Captain Slate for setting a standard, check out their business here: www.captainslate.com

Are you a marina owner/manager? Follow their example and
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'Just News Ten' responds but mako shark capture still under investigation

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:37 GMT

(If you have not been following this story and are unaware of it's ramifications please read the article here)

After numerous calls and emails from the concerned public Just News 10 has said:

Despite public outcry regarding what some considered the unnecessary killing of a shark that posed no threat, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined that Tuesday's capture was perfectly legal. (Link to Article)

Here's the problem. The FWC have not seen the video AND this is out of their jurisdiction... and that's a problem.

Regarding the Just News 10 updated report

To give due diligence to JN10's statement I today spoke to George Pinot of the FWC He is the officer who was contacted by reporter Rob Schmitt for an official determination of the captures legality. Mr Pino today went on record as saying:

I spoke to the reporter who described the event and stated that if the capture happened as he said (rod and reel followed by gaff) then it would be legal under current laws. However I have not seen the video and
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Capture of 748-pound mako shark off Florida stirring up controversy

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:09:08 GMT

This article is By Pete Thomas

Florida anglers are being sharply criticized after apparently free-gaffing a 748-pound mako shark while fishing this week off South Florida.

The accompanying video, which is making the rounds on the Internet, shows the fishermen trying to gaff the free-swimming shark, which had become interested in a swordfish they had alongside their vessel. They succeeded in catching the predator and the footage ended up on a Florida TV station website.

A comment on YouTube from someone called Zencaster read: "I have been big-game fishing for 25 years and this is the most amateur kill I have ever seen. No wonder they have never seen anything like this before. They gaffed a green mako feeding on roadkill and were lucky they weren’t pulled in or worse, get their boat torn up after pulling him aboard.... What a disgrace, the fish deserved better."

Making note that no rods or reels appear to have been used in the capture of the mako, at least one shark conservation website claimed the anglers were in violation of state and federal law and implied it would follow through with authorities.

Luke Tipple, a marine biologist and director of the Shark-Free Marina Initiative, posted regulations that appear to have been violated.

"I’d hazard that I’m not the first
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Fiji registers it's 20th Business as Shark-Free... make that 21!

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:39:36 GMT

Check out the list of Shark-Free Marinas!

Yes, that's twenty Fijian operators that have made a commitment for Shark conservation by pledging not to allow any dead Sharks to be landed at their dock. And I just hear that one more has agreed to sign up and counting! Is that cool or what! (Yes it is, and they did sign up... .ed)

This is foremost the direct personal success of Stuart and Matava who have taken the initiative, done most of the leg work and tirelessly promoted the concept.

But this is also a testimony to how much Fiji cares about Nature in general and Sharks in particular.

This is a country that thanks to a visionary network of locally managed MPAs, is well on its way to protecting 30% of its reefs and that has declared all of its waters to be a Whale Sanctuary and may hopefully once do the same for Sharks.

This is the country that has embraced the International Year of the Shark, with the who's who of conservation, diving and tourism signing up to its local initiative, the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project. This where local television
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Mako shark update - Fishing laws broken or reporting gone awry?

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:43:21 GMT

It's not usually our style to let others speak for us but in this case I think a YouTube user said it the best:

I have been big game fishing for 25 years and this is the most amateur kill i have ever seen. No wonder they have never seen anything like this before. They gaffed a green mako feeding on roadkill and were lucky they weren't pulled in or worse, get their boat torn up after pulling him aboard. Drunken morons with no skills that are lucky that Mako didn't tear them a new ass. What a disgrace, the fish deserved better. YouTube user Zencaster

While that is an interesting (and colorful) opinion I'd like to point out that the real issue here is that the law may have been broken and, if so, an example must be made. First, watch the video in which no rods, tackle or fishing lines are shown being used in the sharks capture.

IMPORTANT LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

Video time 1:10 (Reporters Voice): the crew wounds the shark with a gaff...

Here is the case to be made against the fisherman's actions which appear to have been at least initialized by an illegal fishing method, free-gaffing or using a pole with a hook to capture the animal in such a way that it led to the animals harvest.

Case 1: How they
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Regional Ambassadors Growing... now what?

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:18:15 GMT

From RA Mark:

So I signed up as a fan on your Facebook site and registered as a Regional Ambassador on your website. I was expecting to receive brochures in the mail and I'm not sure what I should do now?

Thanks for your email Mark, here's an action plan for all the new Shark-free Marina Regional Ambassadors:

Visit the Ambassador Support Tools section of our website

Download the Letter of Invitation we've provided. Feel free to compose your own cover letter to let your voice be heard.

Post it to your nearby marinas and request a response.

Better yet, go and visit the Marina Manager (minors should ask an adult to accompany them)

Inform the manager of your desire to sign them up as a Shark-Free Marina, use the information on our site as reasons why it is such an important issue. Make sure to tell them that it is completely free.

Let us know how you go, email us at staff@sharkfreemarinas.com or contact us through Facebook.

If you are successful make sure you email us to let us know!

In this time of technology we are able to communicate with amazing efficiency and conservation issues have never been more accessible. However there are those who will sit at their computers and send links all day, complaining about the world and it's problems, and there
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750-pound Mako shark caught (video)

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:57:32 GMT

In the most recent addition of mature shark trophy hunting fishermen off the coast of Fort Lauderdale have caught a 750-pound shark and dragged it to a marina. We are not sure yet which marina received the catch but SFMI would sure like to know, does it look familiar to anyone?

While the Mako shark is not considered by the IUCN as an endangered species it is listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened which is a category largely reserved for reasonably well managed fisheries with potential for overfishing damage. Science would argue that to catch this species at moderate levels is sustainable but it is pretty difficult to reason that animals of this size (breeding age) are abundant, which leads to SFMI's reasonable suggestion that this animal would have been better left in the ocean.

If anyone has information as to where the marina is in Florida please contact us at staff@sharkfreemarinas.com or post the answer on our Facebook wall.

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Police cite man who caught Great White Shark (follow up)

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:47:37 GMT

A Warren man who pulled up a 12-foot-long Great White Shark with his crab pot last August has been cited for unlawful possession.

Jason W. Robinson, 32, was issued a non-criminal citation by Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife division for the Aug. 8 incident at Depoe Bay, according to a police news release. He is scheduled to appear in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Oct. 8.

A trooper on duty had heard about the shark catch that day and contacted the boat's occupants. He saw the shark had already been gutted, which Robinson said was to prepare it for eating, a press release said.

"Our investigation indicated there was no obvious self-initiated attempt by Mr. Robinson to contact any authorities after he caught the shark before bringing it to the port. If our trooper wasn't at the right place at the right time then we believe he would have unlawfully kept the shark for his own personal interests," said Captain Walt Markee, director of the Fish & Wildlife division.

Oregon regulations prohibit the possession of Great White Sharks and Basking Sharks, and require that the sharks be immediately released unharmed.

Anyone that discovers a dead Great White Shark or a Basking Shark is urged to call the Oregon State Police at 800-452-7888.

By The Oregonian

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Shark Free Marinas Regional Ambassador Program - Powered By Oceanic Defense.org

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:50:37 GMT

For Press Inquiries:

www.sharkfreemarinas.com

San Diego, CA, October 5, 2009 (Sharkfreemarinas.com)—The Shark Free Marinas Initiative began as a clarion call to protect shark species by concerned sport divers. It has grown to include support from major sport fishing media, personalities, and industry voices from Florida to Fiji.

Milestones include Matava, Fiji which announced a stunning total of 20 regional marinas who had gone “shark free”. Thanks in most part to local Stuart Gow who used the initiative’s website tools to approach and convince local marinas that going shark free was good for tourism, sustainable fishing, and most of all Fiji’s sharks.

This month the SFMI was featured in Sport Fishing Magazine and a full page op ed by Editor Doug Olander. PADI’s Sport Diver Magazine dedicated a full page to the Shark Free Marinas as well educating divers worldwide to the crisis of sport caught sharks.

The Shark Free Marinas Initiative would like to announced a strategic media alliance with OceanicDefense.org and the launch of the Regional Ambassador Program. Luke Tipple, the SFMI's Director says:

The Shark-Free Marina Initiative concept is a real world example of open source conservation. The Regional Ambassador program responds to the desire of real people to be heard and make a difference in their community. By specifically focusing on Marinas
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Keystone Point Marina in Miami now a Shark-Free Marina

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:28:39 GMT

We invite you to come by and meet our friendly, knowledgeable staff. The marina office is open from 8am-5pm daily. Keystone Point Marina has been making boating simple and convenient for 50 years.

Keystone Point Marina is open from 8am to 5pm daily with 24 hour access to your boat. They offer:

Fuel Dock

89 & 93 Octane Gasoline

High Sulfur Diesel

Free Pump Out Station

Fiberglass floating docks

Wooden finger piers

Service racks

Water & Electric

Marine Supplies: basic items

Brand Name Oil

Ice 10lb bag & 25 lb Block

Frozen Bait

Live bait upon request

Clean Restrooms

Fish Cleaning Station

Weigh in Fish Scale

Dock Carts

Factory Mechanics

Towing Service

Fishing Charters

Are you a marina owner/manager? Follow their example and register your facility with Shark-Free Marinas today. Want to get involved with SFMI? Visit our Regional Ambassadors page for more info.

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Shark-Free Marinas reaches Puerto Rico

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:34:11 GMT

You can find out about their marina at the website: palmasdelmaryachtclub.com

Sail into a paradise as rich as the open sea in our new Yacht Club and Megayacht Marina. Our new Yacht Club is the only state-of-the-art Marina in the Caribbean linked to a complete resort community. Come aboard and be one of the first to reserve one of the 152 slips designed to serve yachts from 50 to 125 feet long. The Yacht Club is also being designed with side tie mega-slips reserved for transient mega-yachts of up to 175 feet.

As part of your long-term lease and membership to our Marina, you will not only have access to the Yacht Club with its exciting Caribbean Style Restaurant and Pub, Members Lounge, Pool Tiki Bar, Ocean Front Banquet and wedding facilities, and a relaxing freshwater pool, but also to other amenities such as:

Full concierge service

Professionally trained staff and dock hands

Internet and business center

Marine supplies store

Deli and convenience store

Resort wear and dive shop

Sail, fishing, cruise and diving charters

Shopping, Rainforest and adventure tours

On site car, golf carts and bicycle rental

Customs and Immigration assistance

Full service boatyard with 100 tons lift

In slip fueling and waste disposal

240/408 volts, 2 and 3-Phase power

50, 100 and 200 Amps

Additionally, as a member of our Yacht Club you are
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Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:51:22 GMT

Palau is to create the world's first "shark sanctuary", banning all commercial shark fishing in its waters.

By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website

The President of the tiny Pacific republic, Johnson Toribiong, will announce the ban during Friday's session of the UN General Assembly.

With half of the world's oceanic sharks at risk of extinction, conservationists regard the move as "game-changing".

It will protect about 600,000 sq km (230,000 sq miles) of ocean, an area about the size of France.

President Toribiong will also call for a global ban on shark-finning, the practice of removing the fins at sea.

As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world.

"These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.

"Their physical beauty and strength, in my opinion, reflects the health of the oceans; they stand out," he told BBC News from UN headquarters in New York.

Read more of this great article including local benefits and global ramifications HERE

Florida Trio Takes on the 'Ultimate Shark Challenge' to Establish Next Generation Tournament ...

staff@sharkfreemarinas.com (Administrator) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:36:08 GMT

Press Release:

Then, just 11 days before the event, Jack Donlon was invited to meet with public officials of Lee County and Fort Myers Beach to discuss certain aspects of the tournament format. Although, he had made key changes for 2010, and already had in place specific rules designed to limit the number of sharks competitively harvested, Donlon, with close support from the Paxtons, decided it was as good a time as any for conversion to a 100% catch & release format for 2009. The three took part in a press conference that day at City Hall to make the announcement, which included
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A letter to the Mako fishermen under federal investigation, from their peers

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Regarding the Just News 10 updated report

Capture of 748-pound mako shark off Florida stirring up controversy

Fiji registers it's 20th Business as Shark-Free... make that 21!

Mako shark update - Fishing laws broken or reporting gone awry?

IMPORTANT LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

Case 1: How they Read more...

Regional Ambassadors Growing... now what?

750-pound Mako shark caught (video)

Police cite man who caught Great White Shark (follow up)

Shark Free Marinas Regional Ambassador Program - Powered By Oceanic Defense.org

Keystone Point Marina in Miami now a Shark-Free Marina

Shark-Free Marinas reaches Puerto Rico

Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'

Florida Trio Takes on the 'Ultimate Shark Challenge' to Establish Next Generation Tournament ...

Case 1: How they
Read more...