Bonnet Shark Transporting

[tthemadd1]

Hello all, I recently have been offered a decent sum of money to bring sharks from NC up to Ohio. I am planning on catching some small sharks, about 10-12 inches, and shipping them back to Ohio. My plan is too hook a powerhead up to a large cooler and drive them 13 hours. Does this sound like it would work. I cant get paid unless the sharks arrive alive. If you have any thoughts about the legality of this endevour please let me know. Also, would it be worth my time to have them shipped instead?
How many small sharks can I keep alive in a large cooler? Do you think that the ammonia will stress them out too much? What other things should I consider before taking this trip?
Thanks,
Themadd1

 

[shiby1510]

I would consider using 2 baby pools for a top and bottom... as far as legal things go you will need a permit and as far as shipping goes you will be questioned greatly and could get into some real legal things..

 

[tthemadd1]

What type of permit? Not sure on that end of things. I have a vendors liscence. Do I need to get the permit from the park service?
Also is the permit for transporting across state lines or just capturing the sharks?
Thanks again for the info...
Themadd1

 

[ophiura]

I believe that Requiem had some excellent pictures of his transport container made with some kiddy pools and I think that is a great way to go.

 

[requiem]

stop where you are.
Requiem

 

[mattiej]

Unless you want to get in a lot of trouble do not proceed any further. It is illegal to collect and transport sharks without permits and licenses. A vendor license doesn't mean squat when it comes to the legal sell of sharks. I would seriously look into what is required to do it properly. I am also concerned about who will ultimately buy the sharks. I am saddened by the waste of sharks as it is. Bonnets are very, very particular in their requirements for captive life. I will not go into detail here as I do not want to encourage the collection but they are not for anyone who has a large tank!

 

[tthemadd1]

I understand everyones frustration with the issues surrounding this idea. On the other hand, if anyone has a site or any information about how to pursue getting a liscense/permit I would greatly appreciate the information. You can email me with any concerns. Also I think I just want to open a dialogue about this topic for my own personal interest. While I was in NC a few months ago I caught about 30-40 sharks and released all of them. At the time they were more a nuisance than anything else. It seemed that they were the only thing that would go for our bait. In hind site, I was discussing these sharks with my brother who sets up huge and I mean huge tanks in the Columbus area. He has many requests for sharks from his customers. The smallest tank he has recently set up is around 500 gallons up to 4000 gallons. I am not looking to sell these sharks to the average hobbyist. The owner of the store that has also shown interest carries a wide range of large and I mean large fish for use by aquariums, zoos, and highly skilled hobbyist. I think the coolest big fish he has right now is a 14 inch puffer. The thing is immense. I know the ethical concerns people have with this but also know where most of these animals come from. The sharks I am looking for are sand sharks in the NC area. Are these not bonnet sharks, maybe I am mistaken. Anyway, if you would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact me either thru this forum, my email, mwalter4@neo.rr.com, or by AOLIM tthemaddhatter.
Themadd1