Help Protect Florida's Lemon Sharks

October 12, 2009

Release from: Jo Mattock
Dive Magazine

New protections for other species of shark and fish mean fishermen may re-direct their efforts at lemon sharks.

Until now less then seven tonnes of lemon shark have been caught annually in the USA. Around 900 tonnes of sandbar shark, which is now protected, were caught every year.

Lemon sharks congregate each year in a small area close to shore, making them an easy target. Scientists studying the lemon shark aggregation suggest fishermen could wipe out these sharks in just one or two seasons.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering adding lemon sharks to the Prohibited Species List. To sign a petition showing support for lemon sharks to be added to the list, visit the website:

www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/551674949