Shark Scramble opposition and support presented
Shark Scramble supporter says benefits of event very important
Opposing presentations for the Yarmouth Shark Scramble were on the agenda at the Jan. 25 committee of the whole meeting for the Town of Yarmouth.
Last August the Shark Scramble was held on the Yarmouth waterfront after a two-year-hiatus. Last year marked the event’s 17th edition.
Caitlin Buchanan says the event causes serious harm to a fragile ecosystem for the sake of a few sportsmen’s momentary exhilaration.
During her presentation, Buchanan referred to an article published 15 years ago in Nature Magazine that said 90 per cent of all large fish, including tuna, marlin, swordfish, sharks, cod and halibut, are gone.
Josh Allen, a member of the Yarmouth Shark Scramble committee, says the benefits the event brings to the town are very important.
He talked about the value of the scientific data collected from the landed sharks and the tagging of live fish done by fishermen.
Allen provided examples of 10 Caitlin Buchanan condemns the Yarmouth Shark Scramble as causing serious harm to a fragile ecosystem for the sake of a few sportsmen’s momentary exhilaration. families that received assistance from proceeds of the event. The committee also made a $500 donation to the 100 meals program.
”The Shark Scramble does have 150 participants but it also brings in 6,000 spectators that come from as far away as the Northwest Territories and Alberta.
“These people are coming and spending several days in our town, renting hotel rooms, food and gas,” he said.
Mayor Pam Mood thanked both presenters for their presentation. Josh Allen says the benefits the Shark Scramble brings to the town are very important.