To the Editor:
As we continue searching for a durable scale of values that embraces the notion that all living things are connected in a wondrous web of life, it is easy to forget that when this mysterious web is disrupted, we inevitably cause harm to ourselves.
In the August 10, 2017, MVTimes “Fishing Report,” Barry Stringfellow underscores important questions facing Island parents: Are brown sharks beasts? If they are monsters and beasts, is it OK for our children to deliberately inflict pain and suffering on them in the name of having fun and seeking thrills?
As a fisherman, I believe that killing a fish for food is a sacred act. Contrary to Mr. Stringfellow’s cavalier attitude toward the increasingly popular Vineyard summertime activity of catching and then releasing brown sharks, it is my opinion that this practice is a barbaric and flagrant travesty against traditional Island values and our exceptional ethic of conservation of wildlife. To quote Mr. Stringfellow, “The long fight had taken its toll, and for a few minutes, it just rolled in the surf and looked like it might not make it.” Even though this particular brown shark “rebounded and darted off in a piqued froth,” no one knows the mortality rates for brown sharks released after an hourlong life-and-death battle with a fisherman. Will this shark have premature organ failure? Will it lose its future reproductive capacity? Will it die next week from trauma associated with being caught and released? Do we have dominion over the life or death of brown sharks? Do we care?
It is my opinion that most Vineyarders intuitively know that causing harm to brown sharks for “the thrill of it” is something foreign to our beautiful shores. One alternative to this brutal practice might be to study this species and its connection to Island waters. Characterizing brown sharks as “beasts” unfortunately sends the wrong message to our children. When we appreciate their beauty and respect their importance in the natural world, instead of exploiting them for fun and profit, we honor both them and ourselves.
Steve Maxner
West Tisbury
Some interesting points Mr. Maxner.
I too believe that killing a fish for food is a sacred act. I also make it a point to responsibly catch and release any species of fish that I target.
Although, I do not believe that there is any significant data available on the mortality rates of Sandbar Sharks (aka: Brown Sharks) upon their being released. There is much data and research available on the mortality rates for many other Shark species. Hammerheads and Blacktip Sharks, unfortunately are at the top of the list and the most vulnerable to post release health issues and/or death. There is also much data available on post release mortality of the Striped Bass.
That said, when it comes to any species, especially Brown Sharks, it is of the utmost importance to quickly land the Shark and then de-hook and release it – as quickly as possible. That would be at (around) the 2 minute mark or slightly under.
Hence, anyone pursuing this species, especially Tackle Shop Guides, etc. should make it a point to provide the most appropriate gear and tackle to quickly land them. As well as making sure the de-hooking process, picture taking and release of the Shark is spot on and done as quickly as possible.
As for your comment, “It is my opinion that most Vineyarders intuitively know that causing harm to brown sharks for “the thrill of it” is something foreign to our beautiful shores.” Although rather noble and idealistic, I disagree with you. The island of Martha’s Vineyard depends on hundreds of thousands (plus) of dollars of revenue annually via the pursuit and “thrill of it,” provided to visitors paying charter boat captains, visiting tackle shops, renting accommodations, eating, etc. and participating in the Marthas’ Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby – “for the thrill of it.”