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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has implemented a new regulation regarding shark fishing. The regulation, signed by Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley, prohibits “chumming” or “bloodbaiting” for sharks within 300 feet of the shoreline or on a pier.
Chumming is defined as the throwing of bait or fish parts into the water to attract fish, while bloodbaiting is defined as the use of blood, chemical or synthetic attractants, fish parts, chicken parts or other animal parts to attract fish or sharks.
The regulation also makes it unlawful for any person to surf fish, bow fish or fish by any other means from any pier or beach in a manner that presents an unsafe condition to any beach goers, sunbathers, swimmers or any other person.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com.
Editor's Note: We contacted Mr. David Dean with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a clarification of the above press release. Mr. Dean told us that the new regulation were in no way intended to prevent people from Surf, or Pier Fishing for any species other than sharks.
