Massachusetts Moves to Strengthen Shore-Based Shark Fishing Regulations to Protect White Sharks
Massachusetts officials are tightening shore-based shark fishing regulations after reports surfaced of anglers allegedly targeting protected great white sharks along Cape Cod. While it is already illegal to attract or capture a great white shark, enforcement has proven challenging, prompting the state to propose new, clearer restrictions.
Why Are New Shark Fishing Regulations Needed?
The issue gained attention last September when fishermen at a Wellfleet beach reportedly used drones to drop bait near surfers, attempting to lure a great white shark. This activity violated existing white shark protection laws, but enforcement remains difficult since proving intent is complex—many anglers claim they are targeting other species, such as striped bass or bluefish.
To close enforcement loopholes, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is introducing stricter regulations aimed at curbing white shark fishing.
Proposed Shore-Based Shark Fishing Restrictions
The new rules would:
- Ban shore-based shark fishing in areas where white sharks are frequently spotted.
- Prohibit chumming while fishing from shore to avoid attracting sharks.
- Restrict bait launching to normal casting techniques, preventing the use of drones or other devices to deploy bait at a distance.
These regulations would apply along the Massachusetts coast from the New Hampshire border through Chatham, including Monomoy Island, but would exclude the shores inside Plymouth, Kingston, and Duxbury Bays.
Support from Conservationists and Authorities
Megan Winton of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy supports the proposed regulations, emphasizing their importance in addressing increased shark fishing from beaches, particularly along the Outer Cape.
Recreational shark fishing for non-white shark species will still be allowed in waters along the South Cape and Islands. Additionally, the shoreline inside the Three Bays system is exempt because it supports a long-standing catch-and-release sand tiger shark fishery.
Addressing Public Safety and Conservation
Massachusetts first introduced emergency shark fishing restrictions in 2015 as Cape Cod became a white shark hotspot. These rules aimed to minimize interactions between humans and sharks, banning practices such as baited cage diving. However, some anglers continue to target white sharks, often posting their catches on social media for bragging rights.
The Wellfleet beach incident last year, which gained widespread attention through the Provincetown Independent, underscored the urgency of stricter regulations. Surfers reported seeing white sharks surfacing near them and claimed they were entangled in fishing gear. Anglers involved in the incident argued that they were not targeting white sharks and accused surfers of intentionally interfering with their fishing.
Concerns Over Growing Shark Fishing Interest
Daniel McKiernan, Director of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, expressed concerns over the rise in shore-based shark fishing, fueled by public fascination and social media.
“Should this growth occur, it would substantially increase risks to both the public and white sharks,” McKiernan stated. “DMF has developed commonsense proposals to enhance enforceability and limit potentially harmful fishing activities.”
Massachusetts’ proposed regulations are informed by existing shark fishing rules in other states, including New York and Florida, which have established frameworks to balance conservation and recreational fishing interests.
Additional Proposed Fishing Regulations
The state is also considering new regulations for both commercial and recreational fishing, including:
- Striped bass size limits and total length measurements
- Catch limits for false albacore and Atlantic bonito
- Commercial menhaden trip limit adjustments
- Seasonal allocations for summer flounder
- Retention policies for oceanic whitetip sharks
- Documentation requirements for dogfish fin possession or sale
Final Thoughts
With great white shark sightings increasing off the Massachusetts coast, these new regulations aim to enhance public safety and protect marine ecosystems. Stricter enforcement and clearer rules will help preserve the balance between responsible fishing practices and the conservation of protected shark species.