Delaware: Multiple citations issued for shark fishing violations

News Release

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish & Wildlife

20. July 2015

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police issue multiple citations for shark fishing violations

Anglers urged to review shark species, regulations for restrictions before casting lines

DOVER (July 20, 2015) – As part of continuing enforcement vigilance and a public awareness campaign about protected shark species that anglers are prohibited from possessing, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers over the last two weeks have issued 16 citations for violations of state shark fishing regulations.

• Bernardo Luis-Rayo, 53, of Lincoln, was cited on July 12 for two counts of possession of a prohibited shark species, along with one count of possession of undersized blue crabs near Slaughter Beach. Luis-Rayo was issued a fine of $321 including court costs.
• Gary M. Messick, 32, of Milford, was cited on July 12 for three counts of removing a prohibited shark species from the water/landing a prohibited shark species on the beach and two counts of possession of a prohibited shark species, along with one count of fishing without a license near Big Stone Beach. Messick was issued fines totaling $700 including court costs.
• Willard J. Millman Jr., 61, of Milford, was cited on July 12 for one count each of possession of a prohibited shark species and removing a prohibited shark species from the water (landing a prohibited shark species on the beach). Millman was issued fines totaling $214 including court costs.
• On July 11, Jerson F. Sefil, 49, of Frederica, was cited for five counts of possession of a prohibited shark species near Milford. Sefil was issued fines totaling $535 including court costs.
• On July 7, Ernest L. Edwards, 55, of Wilmington, was cited for two counts of possession of a prohibited shark species near Bowers Beach. Edwards was issued fines totaling $214 including court costs.

“Before casting their lines, anglers fishing for sharks in Delaware waters need to review species that may be legally caught and retained here,” said Cpl. John McDerby of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “Landing, attempting to land, possessing or removing any prohibited shark species from the water is illegal in Delaware, and prohibited shark species must be immediately released while still in the water. Also, removing any shark from the water for taking photos is dangerous and harmful to the shark.”

The popularity of shark fishing along the coastline has increased the past several years. Delaware hosts many different species of sharks, both in the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. In addition to popular targeted species such as the mako and thresher, anglers may encounter several prohibited species including sand tiger, dusky and sandbar sharks. The sand tiger, sandbar, smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish are the most commonly caught shark species in Delaware.

Anglers are prohibited from keeping sand tiger and sandbar sharks. Due to their low reproductive rate and overfishing, possession of either species is prohibited. Hook-and-line anglers cannot remove from the water any sand tiger or sandbar shark, or any other prohibited species of shark. In addition, any sandbar shark or other prohibited species of shark must be immediately released in a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival. ( … )

Source: DNREC