Sharks threatening local fishermen

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Shark populations are on the rise, threatening local fishermen along the Suncoast.

Local Captain Jon Smart says with the increase in numbers, sharks are becoming “relentless” targeting fishing boats and stealing the fish that are being reeled in.

Captain Smart even says he has seen sharks come up vertically in the water, eating the fish being pulled up, just before reeling it into the boat.

This issue is starting to concern fishermen like Captain Smart, as their main source of income is being eaten right before their eyes.

Mote Aquarium is currently working on a device to combat the issue.

This device is designed to send a electrical pulse every second that repel sharks from the source.

Mote hopes that once the device is on the market, fishermen can use it to fish without concern for sharks stealing their catch.

Captain Smart says the device intrigues him and that if it is effective, he will likely invest to keep future catches from being stolen.

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