Beach town mayor worries social media trend could lead to shark attack

As the end of summer approaches, residents of a New Jersey beach town are making the most of their beach time. However, the mayor of Bay Head is concerned that a social media trend could lead to a shark attack. It is legal to fish for sharks, but the practice is attracting predators and increasing the risk for beach-goers, Mayor Bill Curtis explained.

Curtis was particularly troubled by videos showing people baiting sharks near the shore so they can snap photos with the creatures. In one viral clip, a group of individuals are seen hauling an 8-foot-long bull shark onto the beach and capturing images. Curtis worries that the bait used to lure these apex predators is bringing them dangerously close to the beach and unsuspecting swimmers. He noted that putting food in the water to attract fish is only making them more likely to approach the shore.

To catch sharks, some fishermen paddle out into deeper waters, drop the bait, and then reel in the sharks from the shore. A CBS News crew ventured out on a boat with Captain John Schaible, who took them about 100 yards from the coast. In the 15-foot-deep water, many shark fishermen place their bait. Schaible stated that the people posting their encounters with sharks on social media are just having fun and not intending to harm the animals. They may take a few pictures and then release the sharks back into the water.

However, Mayor Curtis believes that common sense and consideration for everyone are essential. "Everybody can coexist, just be a little careful with what you are doing," he advised.