Destin Shark tourney becomes history again

By Patrick Donohue

(850) 654-8445

pdonohue@link.freedom.com

A saga that began eight months ago ended this week when the Destin Deep Water Shark Tournament was officially called off.

The board of the Destin History and Fishing Museum voted unanimously Tuesday night to end the controversial tournament, which made its return to the docks of Destin in September after an absence of more than a decade.

Over the course of four days, 11 sharks, hundreds of people and a handful of protesters made their way to docks at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. An estimated 300 sharks were caught and released by anglers participating in the event.

The tournament also caught the attention of the Humane Society of the United States, and later of South Walton businessman and conservationist M.C. Davis, who believed the tournament was an antiquated concept and had no place in a modern community.

Davis said he was happy to hear that the museum had canceled the event, which served primarily as a fundraiser, and hoped to be able to help them move the museum forward.

"I was really very pleased. I hope to have the opportunity to help the museum folks come up with ways to increase their revenue," he said. "It's a good thing they've done."

Davis and representatives from the national and regional offices of the Humane Society of the United States met last month with members of the museum board to discuss canceling the tournament. Though no outcome was reached, Davis and others opposed to the tournament got a feel for what they were up against.

Based on that experience, Davis said he was certain the unanimous vote didn't reflect all the opinions of those on the board.

"Even though the vote was unanimous, I'm not sure it represents all the thinking," he said.

Dr. Timothy Holcomb, president of the museum board, said the board did what it felt they had to do to protect the museum and protect Destin.

"The board was trying to do the best thing for Destin. We always want to frame Destin in a good light and we want Destin to have a good image," he said.

With the museum planning to relocate onto a parcel of land on the harbor recently purchased by the city, Holcomb said holding the tournament didn't make sense for the fledgling museum.

"The museum is growing and we're trying to get donations and new membership, and we didn't want anything that could stymie us," he said.

Capt. George Eller, who participated in last year's tournament, said if the museum believed what it was doing was in the best interests of Destin, then he could live with not having a shark tournament in September.

"I want what's best for Destin and if the museum board feels what they're doing is best for Destin, then I won't take exception to it," Eller said.

While the four-day tournament was a boost for off-season business, Eller said he thought the tournament's cancellation would have a minimal impact on the fishing fleet.

"It's not going to put us out of business but it's the principle of the thing. I don't like the idea of uninformed people telling us how we should make a living," he said.

More than 300 sharks were caught and released during the tournament.

John Grandy, senior vice president of the Humane Society, said he was "elated" when he learned of the museum board's decision and hoped it would set a precedent nationwide to end shark tournaments in other communities, namely the Monster Shark Tournament in Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

"We're thrilled for Destin and we're thrilled for sharks," he said. "I hope there's no animosity and that we can move forward. I hope the action taken by the good people in Destin will signal a chance in how the public perceives these tournaments."

The tournament was discontinued in the early 1990s due to increased governmental protection of sharks and shark populations. Its revival was led in part by Destin Mayor Craig Barker, who began rallying support for the tournament's return this past summer.

This week, Barker said he admired the board for making a tough call on a controversial issue.

"I am sure it was a difficult choice but I am personally proud of the museum's board members for setting convictions aside and making a decision that is ultimately in the best interest of everyone involved," he said.

Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, echoed Barker's sentiments and applauded the board for taking a stand for the museum and for Destin.

"I am sure this was a tough decision for them and I know they feel they made the right decision. This will probably be lost business for the fleet but I think they will have other business they can pick up during that time," he said. "We respect the decision they made and stand behind them. It is the best decision for Destin's image and reputation."