Manatee, Florida, USA – While patrolling near Manatee Public Beach on Friday, Marine Deputies Judy and Hernandez spotted a shark in distress, tangled in a crab trap buoy line.

The deputies immediately contacted partners at motemarinelab, who responded to safely remove the hooks and fishing gear.

Once freed from the entanglement, the shark was able to swim away unharmed, highlighting the dangers that marine debris and fishing equipment can pose to wildlife.

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