Aaron is a 9.5-foot great white shark that researchers have followed along the outer Cape since tagging him in 2024. Last October, prosecutors say, a fishing crew used a drone to drop bait, caught Aaron, and hauled him out of the water onto a Cape Cod beach. Then they posed for photos with him before letting him go.

The public only learned about it because the video was posted online. Now a 30-year-old Long Island man faces charges that include animal cruelty and possessing a protected shark. He maintains his innocence, and the court will decide his case. But the bigger problem is clear: a few minutes of footage showed how easily a protected animal can be turned into a trophy.

Great white sharks are protected in Massachusetts for good reason. Pulling one onto dry sand can injure it badly, even when it is released afterward. Tagged sharks like Aaron also carry years of research that helps scientists understand these animals and keep beaches safer for swimmers.

Responsible anglers who practice catch and release play by the rules. They should not be lumped in with people who chase viral videos at a shark’s expense. Clear, tough consequences protect both the sharks and the reputation of fishing on the Cape.

The Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Maura Healey should strengthen penalties for illegally targeting, beaching or harassing great white sharks. That means higher fines, permanent loss of fishing licenses for repeat or serious offenses, and a clear, enforceable ban on using drones to bait or hook protected sharks.

Sign the petition to protect Aaron and every great white off the Cape before the next trophy video goes viral.