Sharks

As the recreational fishery chips away at shark populations outside the boundaries of scientists’ data books — and as a new constitutional amendment loosens restrictions on anglers across the state — Florida faces an uncertain future for sustainable shark management. In Part II of this three-part series, The Marjorie embeds with recreational and commercial fishermen to parse through the industries’ varied interactions with and attitudes toward sharks.

Sharks are more sought-after than ever. Yet, recreational anglers have become increasingly irate toward these species, complaining that too many of them are eating their hooked catch. Meanwhile, the diving industry says they are more valuable alive than dead. In Part III of this three-part series, The Marjorie journeys across the state of Florida exploring a crucial question: Where do sharks fit into Florida’s future?

Sharks worldwide are imperiled by overfishing. Yet experts disagree on whether policies in Florida and the U.S. aimed at protecting sharks have in fact done the opposite. In Part I of this three-part series, The Marjorie investigates how a federal ban on shark fins shrunk a commercial fishery and satisfied shark advocates — but did little to curb shark deaths.

Crystal River is famous for its manatees, when hundreds flock snout to snout in the warm waters of Three Sisters Spring during winter cold snaps. But there's also a key species hiding in its waters that most people never heard of. We go on a trip to Crystal River, where two scientists are researching bull sharks.

South Florida beach-goers might stumble upon some buried treasure — or at least shark teeth. Experts have some tips to increase your odds.

Authorities say a man bitten by a shark over the weekend on Florida's northeast coast is recovering. Officials from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office north of Jacksonville found the victim aboard a boat on Friday with a severe shark bite on his arm.

Walton County officials have reopened their beaches, but fly purple flags to make beachgoers aware of dangerous marine life.

The attacks off beaches in the Florida Panhandle led authorities to temporarily close several beaches to swimmers on Friday. Beaches were reopened Saturday, with flags warning of high hazards.

A program at the University of Miami pairs teen girls with female researchers as they catch 300-pound sharks. The idea it to encourage more girls to enter STEM careers.

Volusia had the most in the state, with four.

The study from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute shows the greatest concentration of toxins were in the sharks’ stomachs.

Their populations have dropped by 80%, and both could soon be recommended for protection under the Endangered Species Act.