Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports no violations found after mutilated sharks discovered on Redington Beach

The investigation clarifies state harvesting rules for specific shark species on Florida beaches, impacting recreational anglers and public safety perceptions.

• •The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received reports of two dead sharks at Redington Beach on Sept. 6.
• •State officials identified the animals as a bull shark and a blacktip reef shark through reviewed photos.
• •Initial findings show no violations regarding the species caught because both bull sharks and blacktip reef sharks are legal to harvest in Florida.
• •A witness reported seeing a man remove a shark's tail and load pieces of another shark into a kayak.
• •Anglers must complete the Shark Smart Fishing educational course and obtain a permit in addition to a recreational saltwater fishing license.
• •State officials have not confirmed whether the man seen cutting up the sharks held the mandatory state permit or fishing license.
• •Tipsters can report suspected wildlife violations to FWC officers by calling 888-404-3922 or submitting information online.