I wish Capn Shark's had listened to what was said to them and never announced it in the first place. It was an insane thing even to contemplate doing.

I called Capt. Shark's and they said it was cancelled. I called the Town Board and they referred me to the cell phone number that was shown in the flier. When I asked why a shark tournament she wanted to know my name then hung up. I called back and she was angry and said there was no law against catching sharks. I said it was a moral issue. She said there would be a meeting tonight and I could come if I wanted to complain. It just happened to be scheduled at the same time as the meeting about South Beach. Coincidence?

Following the South Beach meeting I was told that it is still on just been changed from sharks to something else.

But if they eat the shark meat then how is it different than any other fishing?

Thanks for asking Jilco
killing the sharks is the problem, who are already among the most overfished creatures in the world.Their important to the balance of the reef and there are so few now that there going to be on the endangered species list soon.

This copy below is being circulated by on of the largest and most powerful environmental protection agency's in the world.
We (San Pedro) for sure don't need tourist boycotting the island.
"Below is a list of the major shark tournaments and contacts at their local chambers of commerce. Please do your part and contact them. Let them know that you will broadcast the negative practice that their town endorses and glorifies - that you will do your part to curb tourism dollars from entering their jurisdiction. Let's help educate them about the plight of sharks and the need for the visible support of their protection. Point out their ethical responsibility to become part of the solution and let them know that otherwise they are part of the problem."

Here is a good little educational PDF brochure on sharks. Belize whale sharks are even mentioned. Be warned, some of the photos may be considered graphic.

http://www.sharkwater.com/downloads/pdfs/WildAid_Shark_Report2007.pdf

I was told by the local fishermen that only baby shark meat is any good to eat. The tournament said only sharks over 100 pounds would qualify. That meat is not good to eat. That is why the Japanese cut off only the fins and throw the rest of it away. This was a very ill conceived - but probably well meaning - plan.
Does anyone know what happened at the meeting last night?

Shark fins are considered a delicacy and a cure for many health issues - that is why the Japanese only take the fins. They make good money on the fins and therefore don't bother with the rest of the fish because they would make a much smaller profit for a lot more work, storage, processing etc. etc.

Obviously, as with any animal, the baby meat is nicer. But definitely folks eat larger shark meat too.

I had no idea that there was a meeting about the shark tournament - since I understand there is no shark tournament.

Most fishermen I know don't like catching shark. They are strong, it can be a tough fight, when you land them the meat needs a lot of processing to get rid of (I believe) the ammonia. It is a stinky, tough job.

Scubalady the tournament is still on it starts at 6am tomorrow leaving form the Ambergris Divers Dock. The meeting was last night and the name is now Deep Water Tournament.
Same prizes.
It will be interesting to see the catch they bring back and more interesting to see how the San Pedro Sun covers it.
A rose buy any other name still stinks.