SCDNR issues misdemeanor ticket for Charleston "shark branding" incidents

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — An Awendaw man has been issued a ticket and fined for the Charleston "shark branding" incidents reported in May, according to SCDNR spokesperson David Lucas.

Investigators say the agency's Marine Division began investigating after anglers reported catching sharks that appeared to be marked with a symbol of some kind near Dewees Island and Isle of Palms.

According to South Carolina law, unless authorized, “no person may tag or mark and release saltwater fish or promote such activity. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.”

The man was cooperative when confronted, and may have been unaware that his actions were illegal, according to authorities.