Friday, June 8, 2007

Great White Gaff Goof Could Cost

You should always look before you gaff.

That's the lesson being learned by a Delaware fisherman and his crew this week, when they killed a small great white shark this week. According to reports from the Associated Press, the fisherman, Michael Davisdon, was on the vessel Little One, when his crew hooked up the shark, which is a federally protected species. While it is currently permissible to play a great white on a rod and reel, it should be released not killed. The almost-200-pound fish, however, was gaffed and weighed. The crew reportedly claims they thought the fish was a mako shark. Charges could be filed against the angler for catching and killing the protected fish.

3 comments:

Lisa said...

I think it is horrible to have killed this great white shark. These men are professional, how is it possible they did not know that is a great white shark. It seems clear to me and I have never fished in my life. Why do we have rules in this country if we can not abide by them. I hope that if these men are found to be at fault that instead of a large fine we start to impose more community service sentences. Money is not going to change the world it will be our actions and teaching, get them out to schools and have them explain what they did is wrong and how delicate the balance of nature is and how we must protect our world.

Anonymous said...

Ummmm so let me get this right. The federal authorities have to send this shark for DNA testing to see if it's a great white but they EXPECTED the people on this boat to know it was a great white just by sight? The authorities have even said they know the fishermen caught the great white on accident. Are the fishermen supposed to send a fish out for DNA testing before catching it now. This would be a rediculous procecution especially since the authorities know it was not done on purpose.

Anonymous said...

OH BROTHER...

WHAT A WASTE OF TIME, MONEY AND EFFECT ON THE FED'S PART....

AND...

THE SOLDIERS ARE COMING HOME WITHOUT INSURANCE...

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE..