The temporary measures extend restrictions that were already in place along Cape Cod, the advisory said. Nantucket had been exempt because “its beaches have a long history of shore-based fishing for a variety of other shark species,” the advisory said.
But a series of incidents this summer caused the state to expand the restrictions, officials said. On July 18, fishermen targeted white sharks near swimmers and a surf school, resulting in the temporary closure of Nobadeer Beach on Nantucket, said Julia Hopkins, a Division of Marine Fisheries spokesperson.
White shark fishing drew a lot of attention after a video went viral this June. The footage showed a local man, Elliot Sudal, accidentally reeling in a great white.
“You can’t control what bites your bait,” Sudal, 37, said in an interview. Sudal reeled in the shark, took the hook out of its mouth, and released it back into the sea.
Sudal said locals know that great whites are a protected species and that targeting them is prohibited. He said shark “influencers” are responsible for the recent trend, hoping the illicit catch will grab views on social media.
The new restrictions on Nantucket prevent fishermen on shore from using metal or wire leaders that are 18 inches or longer alongside hooks with a gap larger than five-eighths of an inch. They also restrict chumming from sunrise to sunset and the use of remote-controlled devices to deploy baited hooks.
In a nutshell, the equipment best for reeling in a great white has been banned, Sudal said.
“Shore-based anglers are not prevented from using conforming tackle to fish for other popular recreational shark species,” state officials said.
Permitted species include “brown sharks” and “sand tiger sharks,” the advisory said.
While state officials hope the new rules will keep locals safer, Sudal doesn’t believe the risk of shark attacks will really decrease.
“It is 1,000 percent not the baits bringing them in,” Sudal said of the great whites. “Like they’re right there.”
“I don’t even understand how people surf here, to be honest with you,” he added.
The Nantucket regulations are temporary for now, but the division said that they are considering extending them into 2027.
“The emergency regulations will remain in effect for 90 days while DMF evaluates whether to pursue permanent or broader statewide restrictions,” the agency said.
Jane Miller can be reached at jane.miller@globe.com.