A growing concern over safety at Isle of Palms, a South Carolina beach community, has led local officials to consider banning shark fishing from its beaches and piers. The proposal comes in response to efforts to protect swimmers and beachgoers from potential shark encounters.
The Proposed Ban
The Isle of Palms Public Safety Committee has discussed restricting shark fishing on the island, specifically banning the practice on beaches and piers between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the busiest times for beachgoers. The goal is to prevent sharks from being drawn into the shallow waters, where swimmers and beachgoers frequently enjoy the water.
Blair Hahn, a member of the Isle of Palms City Council, explained the intent behind the proposal: “What I’m trying to do is stop hungry, dangerous animals from being drug into the surf zone where people are swimming.”
Discussion and Debate
Initially, the committee suggested limiting the practice based on time and location. However, after further discussion among the council, some members have proposed considering a full ban on shark fishing. Despite this, recreational fishermen will not be affected by the ban, and those who accidentally hook a shark while fishing but release it back into the water will face no penalties.
Isle of Palms Councilmember Rusty Streetman explained, “If you’re a hobbyist or you do it at certain times of the year, certain hours of the day, that may be okay.” However, he added that the council is also considering a total ban, highlighting the community’s safety concerns.
Balancing Rights and Safety
While the proposal is primarily focused on ensuring safety, local authorities stress that the ban would not infringe on general recreational fishing activities. Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett emphasized that the aim is not to stop people from fishing but to balance safety with people’s rights to enjoy the beach. “We’re not trying to prohibit anybody from doing something like that,” he stated. “It’s trying to make sure we weigh everybody’s rights, everybody’s safety.”
Shark Attacks and Rising Concerns
The legislation comes amid rising concerns about shark attacks on South Carolina’s beaches. Just recently, two shark attacks were reported in Hilton Head within a week of each other in late June 2025. While shark bites are relatively rare, their occurrence has sparked increased discussions about public safety on beaches.
Sharks are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, as apex predators, they help maintain a balance by regulating fish populations. However, despite their importance, sharks rarely pose a threat to humans. In 2024, there were 69 confirmed shark bites worldwide, a slight increase from the five-year average of 63, but still within the normal range, according to Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program.
Protecting People and Sharks
Ultimately, officials believe that protecting swimmers and beachgoers is crucial for ensuring safety while also respecting the role of sharks in the ocean ecosystem. By addressing concerns about shark fishing and making adjustments to the times and locations where it is allowed, Isle of Palms hopes to strike a balance that benefits both humans and marine life.
