Florida Deputies Rescue Shark Tangled in Crab Trap

Marine Unit's Unique Rescue

• 🌊 The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to an unusual call on Friday.
• 🦈 Deputies discovered a shark entangled in a crab trap while on patrol near Manatee Beach.

The Rescue Operation

• 🎣 The shark, a sandbar shark estimated at 6-8 feet, was found with fishing line from its lower jaw attached to the crab trap buoy.
• ⚠️ Deputies initially hesitated to free the shark themselves due to its teeth, deeming it too risky.
• 🔬 They contacted experts from the Mote Marine Laboratory for assistance.

Successful Outcome and Expert Advice

• ✅ Mote Marine successfully removed the hooks and fishing line from the shark, finding several hooks in addition to the trap.
• 👏 The deputies and Mote Marine staff celebrated as the shark was released and swam away.
• 💡 Experts advise cutting fishing leaders as close to the hook as possible and avoiding stainless steel hooks to minimize harm to marine animals.
• 💔 Without the rescue, the shark likely would have died due to exhaustion and entanglement.