Controversial shark researchers denied permit for Massachusetts waters

BOSTON — Massachusetts officials have denied a group of shark researchers a permit to tag sharks.

According to the Cape Cod Times, Ocearch had applied for the permit for 2019.

But the state denied the permit citing safety concerns over its use of baited hooks to catch and tag sharks.

In a letter to the organization, the Division of Marine Fisheries cited two great white shark attacks last summer on Cape Cod -- including a deadly attack in Wellfleet.

Ocearch has been denied permits for state waters several times in the past, but still holds a permit for federal waters.

MORE: What you need to know as sharks arrive in New England

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