An 11-foot great hammerhead shark was recently found dead off southeast Florida. There were no signs of a predator attack—just a large fishing hook still lodged in her mouth. Experts say she likely died from stress and organ failure caused by catch-and-release fishing.

Great hammerheads are powerful, majestic apex predators. But they’re also fragile. When caught, they can suffer extreme physiological stress—even if released. According to Oceana, these sharks have a 90% mortality rate when captured, whether intentionally or not. In other words, catch-and-release isn’t conservation—it’s a slow death sentence.

This species is listed as endangered, and yet recreational fishers are still legally allowed to “catch and release” them in Florida waters. That has to change. Protecting ocean ecosystems means protecting the creatures that keep them in balance—and hammerheads play a critical role.

We, the undersigned, are calling on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to immediately ban the recreational catch-and-release fishing of great hammerhead sharks and other endangered shark species in Florida state waters. This includes updating regulations to prohibit intentional targeting and require stricter handling practices in the event of accidental capture.

We understand that many fishers act in good faith, believing that releasing a shark is the responsible thing to do. But the science is clear: for hammerheads, "release" is often a death sentence. Without bold changes, Florida’s waters will continue to be a graveyard for these endangered giants.

This is not about punishing anglers—it’s about recognizing that some species are simply too vulnerable for sport. A healthy ocean needs its apex predators. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.

Add your name if you agree: it’s time to ban catch-and-release fishing of endangered sharks in Florida.

Photo via the Tampa Bay Times