The successful proliferation of white sharks since 1997 is amazing to me.
They have made an incredible comeback here on the East Coast.
This of course is helped along by the protection of seals also.
Right now I would say we have many more white sharks , than makos in our Mass. waters during the summer.
A white shark here would be a rarity 20 years ago. Not today. - Tom
Makos are listed as #1 in taste. Local pub had them as an appetizer for years but I think the animal rights whackos got to them and they no longer serve it.
As I’ve said elsewhere, while I’m a SHARK & RAY PRESERVATIONIST, I believe it’s time for LIMITED “on permit” hunting for both Great Whites AND for seals, too.
(Hunting “on permit” has helped the alligator & crocodile population, rather than hurting the population. = It’s called: GAME RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.)
LICENSED hunting would benefit BOTH species & bring MUCH NEEDED new money into New England’s marine economy.
(Btw, IF they were available both my lady & I WOULD BUY a SEALSKIN COAT and/or JACKET. = I liked my old sealskin car coat very much until it was stolen AND you would likely find me wearing sharkskin cowboy boots too.)
Yours, TMN78247
“This of course is helped along by the protection of seals also”.
New Smyrna Beach, FL is a nice little beach town. I grew up there. The city motto was “Worlds Safest Bathing Beach”
Then a State Constitutional Amendment was passed which banned the use of gill nets in state waters which extend 3 miles offshore.
Then, shark fishing was banned within state waters. This in effect created a protected sanctuary for sharks along the coastline.
Banning gill nets resulted in an increase in bait fish inshore. This brought in more sharks which feed on the bait fish.
Lots of people swim and surf in what is now a shark sanctuary.
Today, New Smyrna Beach is known as “The Shark Bite Capitol of The World”.
Thats a true story folks.