Dive boat operators face charges of illegally feeding sharks in state waters

Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have filed charges against four men linked to the illegal feeding of sharks and fish within state waters.

The investigation started after the FWC received several complaints that shark feeding was taking place off the coast of Palm Beach County during dive charter trips. One complainant told dispatchers she was on a dive trip where sharks were being fed. The person said the sharks had become so aggressive she had to get out of the water.

“This is a public safety issue,” FWC Maj. Camille Soverel said in a statement. “The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement wants to ensure these beautiful coastal waters remain safe for divers.”

FWC investigators and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), working jointly, conducted two separate investigations involving two northern Palm Beach County dive charter operators.