.....The San Pedro Sun front page story about this weekends Shark Fishing Tournament kinda spun my head around. I love Captain Sharks, they are even friends and San Pedro, love you too,
but killing sharks......Guys its an international opinion that killing sharks for sport is a nono,
and donating the meat to the school doesn't justify squat.
This isn't just my tree huggin opinion.
Remember the old adage 'any publicity is good publicity' Well, apparently not for shark tournaments San Pedros reputation for Eco Tourism will suffer for this.

I agree with you Elbert. Even the big shark fishing tournaments in Hawaii (televised on ESPN) do not allow you to kill the shark and if you do, it counts against your team. Catch and release only.
Isn't it enough that 100 million sharks are killed annually just for their fins? (http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htm)

But of course this is just my 2 Cents.

yep
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/wildlife_news/monster_shark_tournament.html
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/oak_bluffs_monster_shark_tournament__martha__s_vineyard
http://www.sharksavers.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=294
I could go on and on but you get the point.

Captain Sharks canceled this event due to the public outcry against it.

Great News!

Lets have a developer bashing tournament , now that would be fun.

Amanda
are you saying that just to defuse the thread or is it really still on and renamed.

Elbert I am saying what I was told by James Ritchie yesterday. Please, if you have question about the tournament or anything else to do with Captain Sharks call them.

Why would I be trying to defuse your thread. It is a moot point, so nothing to defuse.

called, they have changed the name of the tournament to 'Deep Water' and its still on.

last trip I caught a bull shark while groupper fishing ...the guide wanted to keep it I said a big nooooooooooooo.We released the shark carefully as you can ...I have seen the light years ago...I keep snapper ,and any fish that feeds hungry people but no shark...Just my personal opinion..

That's why your on the 'Good Guys', list'. :-)

The Newspaper said the Sharks would be given to the Holy Cross Anglican School, but that a lame logic/justification for killing Sharks.

elbert thank you my mentor..

Once again, a major player on the island contradicts the eco-tourism image that Belize has worked hard to gain. Simply ridiculous. The science is old on this one. Sharks play an invaluable role to sustaining a vibrant and healthy reef community. But hell, chop some more mangroves, fill some more sewage run-off, and promote tournaments like these. We'll see how long this island makes it then.

I'm with you on that Canam.
50 years ago It would be an event for all the island but the times
have changed and San Pedro needs to catch up with the world awareness.
Love you James...but bad idea , no prizes for catching and killing sharks.
and OMG the worst timing you could have this is Shark conservation week. foot in mouth James
Shark Week - 11-19 October 2008
http://www.projectaware.org/english/templates/news.aspx?id=1649

I was surprised and saddened by the announcement of this event. I just have unrealistic expectations about the enlightenment of others I suppose.

30 years ago the isolated Fishing Village Community that was San Pedro was dependent on the harvest of the commercial fishing industry, but that has changed and the necessity of good behavior in the international community is a large reality. We want to be seen as an Eco-Tourist Correct Location for that is now our bread and butter.

Are lawyers allowed? LOL

Only as chum . . .

No KC, lawyers aka sharks, are higher on the food chain than chum!

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.

So are you saying that the target catch is still sharks?

Amanda, why don't you follow the advice you gave elbert on page 1 and ask them yourself. Seems obvious however. And on something as disgusting as this, if you're not against it, then you're for it by default.

And the comment that fishermen/women don't want to catch them is beside the point and disingenuous. If you know this is going on and is just being re-named to escape scrutiny, inform people.

I'm an avid fisherman by the way. Release everything I catch. These people intend to catch sharks just to kill sharks. Sharks aren't hard to catch. It should be forbidden by law. I can't believe it's allowed.

If this really is about catching sharks then I'm afraid the backlash in the world diving press will be severe. Many divers and some wholesalers won't go to a resort or even country that encourages shark fishing. This is an unbelievable own goal, at a time when we need all the help we can get to tempt divers to come here.

I called them and was informed that is a big game tourney, not targeted at sharks. He also said the max is 1 shark per boat. So a marlin, (are they good eatin'?) or a barracuda anything, including a shark is a valid entry. I had a few other questions but the young man on the phone seemed very flustered and in a hurry. He was polite but obviously had received a ration of dissent from the public.

Sad News ,San Pedro is going to put on the blacklist with these;
from the New York Underwater Photographic Society
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.

Ocean City Shark Tournament
P.O. BOX 3038
Ocean City, Maryland 21843-3038
Mark Sampson 410-213-2442

Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
12320 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842
410-213-0552
info@oceancity.org

Downeast Maine Shark Tournament
P.O. Box 1345
Biddeford, ME. 04005
maineshark2004@yahoo.com

Biddeford Chamber of Commerce
110 Main Street
Suite 1202
Saco, Maine 04072
info@biddefordsacochamber.org

Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament
Steven James
President, BBG Fishing Club
57 Calypso lane.
Marshfield, MA 02050
email:bostonbiggame@hotmail.com
tel:781-834-2899

Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1698
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-0085
info@mvy.com

Cape May Shark Tournament
Chuck & Mary Hinchcliffe
Off the Hook B&T @ Hinch Marina
609-884-0444

Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May
P.O. BOX 556, CAPE MAY, NJ 08204
PHONE: (609) 884-5508
FAX (609) 884-2054

South Jersey Shark Tournament
South Jersey Marina
1231 U.S. Highway 109
P.O. Box 641
Cape May, NJ 08204
Voice: (609) 884-2400
Fax: (609) 884-0039
sjadmin@sjmarina.com

Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May
P.O. BOX 556, CAPE MAY, NJ 08204
PHONE: (609) 884-5508
FAX (609) 884-2054

Montauk Shark Tournament
Star Island Yacht Club
PO Box 2180
Montauk Point, NY 11954
(631) 668-5052
(631) 668-5503 Fax
Reservations@starislandyc.com

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce:
742 Montauk Hwy
Montauk, NY
11954-5338
Phone: (631) 668-2428
Fax: (631) 668-9363

Casco Bay Maine Shark Tournament
dave@keenanauction.com

Casco Town Office
635 Meadow Rd.
Casco, ME 04015
PO Box 60
Tel: (207) 627-4515
Fax: (207) 627-4180
Conservation Committee
Georgette Burgess 207-627-4585
Nadia Hermos (Sec'y) 207-627-4241 hermos@aol.com
Beverly White 207-627-4179 bwhite03@maine.me.us

Freeport Shark Tournament
Freeport Hudson Anglers Inc.
P.O. Box 411
Freeport, N.Y. 11520
(516) 378-5181

Freeport Chamber of Commerce
300 Woodcledft Avenue
Freeport, NY 11520
Phone: (516) 223-8840
Fax: (516) 223-1211
freeportchamber@juno.com

Nantucket Shark Tournament
Nantucket Angler's Club
1 New Whale Lane
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-2299
nantucket.angler2@verizon.net

Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce
Zero Main Street - 2nd Floor
Nantucket, MA 02554
Tel: 508-228-1700
Fax: 508-325-4925
info@nantucketchamber.org

Sarasota Shark Tournament

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
1945 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 955-2508
(941) 366-5621

St. George Island Shark Tournament, Florida

Franklin County Board of County Commissioners
Commissioner Noah Lockley, Jr.: noah@franklincountyflorida.com
Commissioner Joseph Parrish: smokey@franklincountyflorida.com
Commissioner G. Russell Crofton: russell@franklincountyflorida.com
Commissioner Cheryl Sanders: cheryl@franklincountyflorida.com
Commissioner Bevin Putnal: bevin@franklincountyflorida.com

Outcast Shark Tournament, Pensacola Florida

Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
117 West Garden Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
850.438.4081
Fax: 850.438.6369

Word is already out about what was initially announced, and a major damage limitation exercise is needed if in fact it was changed. But given the advance publicity I'm afraid that if even a single shark is caught that will be very damaging.

This was an extraordinarily inept thing to do. Especially since from the very short notice period given when there are few tourists here it is obviously intended for the benefit of the local population of boat owners and "marine people". We are telling the world that given our preference we go out and catch sharks. Yes, we WILL get added to the Elbert's list.

The sky is falling!!! The sky is falling!!!

Jesse - do you know how much visiting diver numbers have dropped? Go and ask some of the dive operators. We need an initiative such as this like a hole in the head.

By "initiative" are you referring to the US-only list of shark tournaments?
And didn't the local shark tournament get canceled/changed to an open type tournament? So what do you want done now? No fishing tournaments at all?

It has been suggested that only the name of the local tournament has been changed, not the substance. I hope you're right that in fact they won't now be catching sharks.

If a shark grabs the bait put out for any other species, then a shark may be caught...just like any tournament world-wide.

No more panades??

"just like any tournament world-wide"

Not quite Jesse! Fish tournaments are run as species specific. Billfish, Wahoo, Tuna etc.

The methods used are for the most part lure/bait trolling.These specific species require a fast moving ( sometimes up to 12knots)trolled bait.Sharks are not prone to strike at baits moving fast through the water.therefore the chance of picking up a shark of any size is almost eliminated. It can happen but with very rare chance.

Shark fishing, on the other hand ,is a Chum based method and slow to no moving bait. A shark is a opertunity eater and not prone to chase bait for a meal.If this tournament is in fact one that is targeting Deep sea pelagics it is unlikly for a boat to bring in shark unless they were specificly targeted.

Jess I agree with Bill and would like to add that a 'Prize' is being given for a dead Shark.
Different ball game.

The boats will be coming back this afternoon...lets go see

Please take photos if appropriate.

Lots of dead shark photos posted on the internet will help to make your point.

Elbert! were you able to take pictures of the catch the boats brought back?

I'm interested to see how many unfortunate sharks were Killed in the name of "Sports Fishing". I whole heartedly agree on you position that this is unnecessary and reflects badly on the Island."Catch and release" is the only way to enjoy the sport of fishing. and I go further than just sharks.

I watched for a while as some of the boats came back. I saw seven dead fish, all bar two of them sharks. I have some photos and will post any that seem reasonable - haven't looked at them yet.

This was indeed a shark fishing tournament under another name.

I only saw 2 sharks also. This became a deep sea tournament. The 2 sharks I saw were cleaned and will be eaten. Food does not go to waste on San Pedro (except by the tourists because the portions at many restaurants are so huge).

Mark at Estelle's assured us that our GIANT breakfast burritos would not go to waste because he would give it to his dogs.

What the heck posts the photos Peter, I didn't make it to the weigh in.
try that http line from photobucket here

Hard to dispute
http://www.sanpedrosun.blogspot.com/

That is sad and unnecessary.

We wont be stopping by that store this trip. Purchased items there in april not in november..

The public outcry did no good. For those that feel strongly about this, the only recourse is to shop elsewhere...and to let them know why.

I believe this was sponsored by the Town board if i remember reading the article correctly.

Elbert, the newspaper ad I saw had Captain Sharks name splashed all over it. I'm looking for it now and will add the link if/when I find it.

Capt. Sharks withdrew

Oct 9 Newspaper stated it was organized by Jenny Staines, sponsored by Captain Sharks, Giovanni's Plastic Signs and the Town Council.