News Summary
A significant increase in shark populations around Hilton Head Island is complicating local fishing efforts. As species like the sandbar shark rebound from years of overfishing, local fishermen face new challenges, including sharks eating caught fish off the hook. With conservation measures leading to their resurgence, anglers must adapt their strategies to cope with this growing shark presence while balancing their fishing livelihoods with safety concerns in the waters.
Hilton Head – An increasing population of sharks around Hilton Head Island is creating challenges for local fishermen. As shark populations rebound from years of overfishing and successful conservation measures, many anglers are reporting a phenomenon known as “depredation,” where sharks eat caught fish off the hook before they can be landed. This trend is raising concerns among fishermen who rely on species like king mackerel for their livelihoods.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has noted that the shark populations in the area are on the rise, with the recovery attributed to a decline in commercial shark fisheries and over four decades of conservation efforts. As a result, sharks such as the sandbar shark are now more commonly seen around fishing hotspots.
Experts, including local charter captains, have identified sandbar sharks as the primary culprits behind the increasing instances of fish depredation. Being one of the largest shark species in the region, sandbar sharks are known to hunt in packs and have adapted to the presence of fishing boats, which they associate with an easy meal. This adaptation has been compounded by a surge in fishing activity, with more recreational and commercial fishermen arriving on the waters of Hilton Head.
In addition to the increasing shark populations, regulatory changes banning the sale of shark fins have diminished commercial shark fishing efforts, further contributing to a burgeoning overall shark population. Despite the challenges these sharks pose, local officials have reported only two probable shark bites in the summer of 2025, numbers consistent with previous years, indicating that severe shark attacks remain rare.
The sandbar shark population faced significant declines in the early 1990s due to excessive fishing practices. However, the outlook has recently improved following a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ban on sandbar shark fishing for anything other than specific research purposes in 2008. Sandbar sharks take an extensive time to reach maturity, approximately 13 years, and only produce about six pups every few years, with their population recovery being slow but steady.
As the conditions in the waters have changed due to rising temperatures, sandbar sharks are now arriving earlier in the season and remaining for longer periods. In reaction to the challenge posed by these sharks, many local fishermen are modifying their fishing strategies. One charter captain has implemented a five-minute rule, urging a swift catch-and-release method to minimize the likelihood of sharks stealing their fish.
With the rise in shark populations, many charter captains are pivoting to target sharks instead of traditional fish species like cobia and king mackerel. The shift appears to attract more repeat customers, as both tourists and locals enjoy the thrill of shark fishing, often capturing photos of their catches to share on social media.
Notably, popular coastal areas such as Myrtle Beach and Folly Beach are seeing increased shark sightings, especially during the summer months. Although awareness of sharks is crucial for swimming safety, the last confirmed shark attack resulting in a fatality in South Carolina was reported back in the 1840s, demonstrating the rarity of serious shark-related incidents in the area.
As shark populations continue to grow and adapt to the changing environmental conditions, local fishermen on Hilton Head Island will need to navigate the complexities surfacing from this resurgence, balancing their fishing practices with the ever-present reality of an abundant shark population.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Shark Populations Around Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Sharks
- Greenville Online: Second Shark Attack at Hilton Head
- Google Search: Shark Attacks in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Fishing and Sharks in Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark (Fish)
- World Atlas: Most Shark Infested Beaches in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
