Manatee Deputies and Mote Marine Laboratory Cooperate to Free Entangled Sandbar Shark

A routine law enforcement patrol near Manatee Public Beach on January 9, 2026, transitioned into a critical marine rescue after deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) observed an unusual dorsal fin profile. The deputies investigated and identified a large sandbar shark entangled in discarded fishing line attached to a crab trap buoy.

The sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) typically inhabits coastal and offshore sandy areas along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts and can grow to approximately 7.5 feet. Recognizing the need for specialized handling, the MCSO marine unit promptly contacted scientific experts at Mote Marine Laboratory, an institution established in 1955 with a focus on marine research and animal response.

Crews from Mote Marine Laboratory mobilized quickly to the location off the Manatee County coastline, near areas such as Bradenton Beach. The combined team safely performed the intricate disentanglement procedure, successfully removing multiple embedded hooks and severing the restrictive fishing lines that had ensnared the animal. This coordinated intervention was vital, as specialized handling was necessary for the shark's survival.

The successful release underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in managing local marine wildlife emergencies. Sandbar sharks are slow-growing, reaching maturity around 12 to 13 years, and are considered vulnerable, leading to protected status in many regions. Entanglement in fishing gear remains a documented threat to various marine life in Florida waters.

This incident highlights the broader issue of marine debris and bycatch—the unintentional capture of non-target species—in Florida’s aquatic environments. While sandbar sharks were historically targeted commercially, U.S. federal regulations have since banned commercial landings due to population vulnerability assessments. The swift action by MCSO deputies, coupled with Mote’s scientific expertise, ensured a positive outcome for the coastal resident.

Mote scientists continue conservation efforts, including the Global FinPrint survey to map reef shark populations and studies on shark repellents utilizing sandbar sharks housed at their Sarasota facility. The successful disentanglement demonstrates the efficacy of local response protocols designed to protect the diverse marine ecosystem of Manatee County.