Shark fishing ordinance (PH-2)

Described being caught in a shark-fishing line while surfing near Stuart Beach and urged the Board to keep the 1,000-yard ban and address drone baiting.

Said loosening the rules hurts tourism and safety, citing chumming before and after lifeguard hours and the 2010 shark-bite death of a local surfer.

Said he's been caught in shark fishing lines himself and spoke in support of local surfers against loosening the rules.

Urged rejection of lifting the shark-baiting ban, questioned the timing during vacation season, and asked that the ban extend to all county beaches.

Said chumming draws sharks to shore like feeding stray cats and warned it caused shark attacks in California.

A marine conservation researcher who urged keeping the current language, citing evidence that chumming creates 'problem sharks' near guarded beaches.

The Indian Riverkeeper said attracting more sharks harms anglers, the ecosystem, and safety, and suggested studying stricter regulations used elsewhere in Florida; also clarified the bait-droppers use RC boats.

Said feeding sharks makes them return, questioned FWC's enforcement response times, and warned commissioners this decision would be their legacy if someone is hurt.

Asked that protections cover all county-owned beaches, noted flying drones also drop bait, and reported dead hammerheads washing up in Hobe Sound and Jensen Beach.