Sanibel police and conservation biologists pulled roughly 500 feet of illegal gill netting from the waters off West Gulf Drive after the net ensnared multiple marine animals, including fish, sharks, and a stingray. Officers Sutton and Royka coordinated with biologists from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to remove the gear and free what wildlife they could.
The situation came even closer to a broader disaster when manatees were spotted swimming near the net as crews worked. City of Sanibel Public Information Officer Eric Jackson said one manatee approached the netting and nearly became entangled before managing to swim free. Video from the scene showed at least one shark did not survive.
Once the netting was recovered, Sanibel officers turned it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which took over the investigation. FWC told WINK News that the net's owner has not been identified, and that using gill-net gear in Florida state waters is a felony. The recovered netting was taken into evidence as part of the ongoing case.
Sanibel visitor Charlene Keifer, who was present at the boat ramp during the recovery, called the find "appalling" and said the island's wildlife is what has drawn her family back for decades. She expressed relief that crews were able to act quickly.
This report was originally published by WINK News.
