Martin County commissioners are considering changes to the county's shark fishing ordinance after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed the county to align its rules with state regulations. The state says a statute preempts counties from regulating saltwater fishing, including shark fishing.
State law requires a saltwater fishing license and a special permit for shark fishing. It also allows shark fishing within 1,000 feet of a guarded beach at all hours. Assistant County Attorney Melissa Petrick told commissioners that the state statute means the county can no longer control shark fishing regulations.
Jessica Veatch, whose then-3-year-old daughter Violet was attacked by a bull shark at Bathtub Beach in Martin County nine years ago, opposed the changes. Veatch said she believes nearby spearfishing activity on the reef may have provoked the attack. Indian River Keeper Jim Moir told the commission that attracting more sharks to the coast is bad for human safety, angling, and the sharks themselves.
County commissioners voted to table the discussion and directed staff to review concerns raised by the community and commissioners and draft new ordinance language. County attorneys suggested the ordinance does not need to be eliminated entirely and can be reworked to reference the illegality of certain actions under state law.