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Christopher Stefanou faced charges over tagged great white on Cape Cod

Cape and Islands prosecutors accused the LISHARKMAN host of dragging a tagged shark ashore for photographs in October 2025.

Christopher Stefanou, who runs the fishing channel LISHARKMAN for more than two million subscribers on YouTube, appeared in Barnstable Superior Court on October 21 on charges tied to a great white off Cape Cod.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois said Stefanou and his crew used prohibited gear, including a drone, to catch a 9.5-foot shark researchers had tagged as Aaron the Shark. Prosecutors said the group pulled it onto a beach, took pictures, and returned it to the water.

The counts include animal cruelty to a shark, fishing for shark, mechanical deployment of bait, attempting to capture a shark, and possession of a protected species. Massachusetts law protects great whites, with tighter rules where seals draw them near Cape Cod beaches.

Stefanou posted $10,000 bail and surrendered his fishing license. He must delete footage tied to the alleged incident and may not fish, use boats, or fly drones in Massachusetts waters. He cannot reenter the state except for court; his next date is December 11.

His lawyer said Stefanou works to protect marine wildlife and disputed the charges. He has not been convicted.