We, the undersigned, stand in support of responsible, law-abiding shark fishing on Marco Island beaches.

Shark fishing has long been a part of Florida’s coastal culture and is regulated at the state level by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Local fishermen follow strict guidelines, including:

• Use of appropriate gear for quick, safe releases

• Compliance with protected species regulations

• Practicing responsible, ethical catch-and-release

Despite this, there are growing discussions about restricting or eliminating this activity at the local level—without evidence of widespread issues or incidents.

Public records and data show:

• No injuries or safety incidents tied to responsible shark fishing on Marco Island beaches

• Peaceful coexistence between fishermen, families, and beachgoers

We believe:

✅ Education—not overregulation—is the solution

✅ Responsible fishermen should not be penalized for the actions of a few

✅ Local government should not overstep into areas already regulated by the state

We support:

• Continued legal shark fishing on Marco Island beaches

• Increased public education on safety and best practices

• Collaboration between the community and local officials

We respectfully urge Marco Island leadership to:

Reject unnecessary restrictions and support responsible fishing practices that have safely coexisted with the public for years.