SEBASTIAN – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering public input on shore-based shark fishing.

Most of the local shark fishing is going on north of the Sebastian Inlet and into Melbourne. There are other shark fishing areas near Vero Beach.

Some people believe that shark fishing is cruel, while others say it’s a harmless “catch and release” sport.

The FWC is inviting the public to express their thoughts on the future management of this fishery by attending a public workshop.

Have an opinion on local shore-based shark fishing?

There will be a local workshop on Aug. 27th at the Melbourne Beach Community Center located at 509 Ocean Ave. The workshop will start at 6 p.m.

If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

More: Large Hammerhead Shark Caught Near Sebastian Inlet

Staff is working on an advance copy of the presentation and a virtual workshop that should be available online in the near future.

Additional details and updates to these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”)

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