Business & Tech
Shark Referendum Passes 64-50 in Oak Bluffs
The non-binding referendum, making future shark fishing tournaments catch and release only, next comes before voters at Thursday's annual town election, according to the Vineyard Gazette.
Both Island newspapers are reporting the success of a referendum that was placed on the Oak Bluffs annual town meeting warrant by petition to make future shark fishing tournaments catch and release only.
The Martha's Vineyard Times reports the non-binding referendum passed 64 to 50.
The referendum was aimed squarely at the annual Monster Shark Fishing Tournament, which has been held in Oak Bluffs for the past several years.
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Tournament founder Steve James, of the Boston Big Game Fishing Club, told Oak Bluffs selectmen last week that in his experience, catch and release shark tournaments have not been successful.
"Nobody comes to an all-release shark tournament," James said in the April 4 meeting (see video).
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Oak Bluffs resident and Patch blogger Sam Low supported the referendum, posting an interview titled .
According to the Vineyard Gazette, the non-binding referendum returns to Oak Bluffs voters at Thursday's annual town election.
The referendum will not affect the 2013 tournament, scheduled for July 18, 19 and 20.
For more about this story, please see:
- Oak Bluffs Selectmen Tackle Monster Shark Tournament
- Oak Bluffs Demands Meeting with "Monster Shark" Chief
- "Monster Shark" Tournament Organizer to Meet with Oak Bluffs Selectmen
- Shark Tournament's James Meets with Oak Bluffs Board
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