Fisherman reels in nine-foot white shark near Nantucket

Elliot Sudal, a veteran boat captain, released a nearly nine-foot great white shark caught on June 7 on Nantucket. Sudal documented the 15-second hook removal on social media to demonstrate proper response for a protected species that must be released immediately under U.S. law.

Sudal caught the shark while fishing from shore. In a video posted to his social media accounts, Sudal climbs onto the shark’s back and secures the fish in the surf to remove the hook. He wrote in an Instagram post that the process took 15 seconds, stating, “Hooks out and back on her way in 15 seconds, not sure how to do it better.”

Why are great white sharks protected?

White sharks are a protected species in the U.S. and must be released immediately upon accidental capture. While they are not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, they are subject to special federal protections. The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers the species vulnerable globally.

Did You Know? White sharks typically have about 300 teeth arranged into five rows.

What is the history of Elliot Sudal’s shark interactions?

Sudal has caught and tagged hundreds of sharks over several years, though he noted in a social media post that this was his first white shark encounter in over a decade. His methods have previously drawn scrutiny from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

In 2017, NOAA investigated Sudal’s handling of a smalltooth sawfish, an endangered species, in Florida. The agency stated in 2018 that it sent Sudal a letter informing him of safe handling protocols and issues related to the Endangered Species Act.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension here lies in the balance between public education and regulatory compliance. While Sudal aims to demonstrate release techniques, his history with NOAA suggests that the method of handling protected wildlife remains a point of professional and legal contention.

Why are sightings increasing in New England?

Some scientists attribute the increase in white shark sightings off New England to a greater availability of seals, which serve as prey. Despite the increase in sightings, dangerous encounters between humans and white sharks remain extremely rare. Only a few dozen fatal bites have ever been recorded.

Nantucket Man Elliot Sudal Wrangles Shark Onto Sconset Beach – Massachusetts

What may happen next?

Future encounters with protected species could lead to further reviews of handling protocols by federal agencies. If sightings continue to rise due to prey availability, the frequency of accidental catches may increase, potentially leading to more public demonstrations of release techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was the shark caught?
The shark was caught on June 7 on Nantucket.

What is the global conservation status of the white shark?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers white sharks vulnerable globally.

How did Elliot Sudal remove the hook?
Sudal climbed onto the back of the shark and secured it in the surf to remove the hook in approximately 15 seconds.

Do you believe social media demonstrations are an effective way to teach the release of protected species?