As the shark and seal populations in waters off Rhode Island have increased, more fishermen are losing their catches to the savvy predators

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Sharks and seals are increasingly stealing catches from fishermen in Southern New England waters.

The SHARKED Act, awaiting Senate approval, aims to create a task force to study and mitigate this issue.

Fishermen are adapting by changing locations and reeling in catches faster.

NEWPORT – Fishing off the coast of Newport in 14 feet of water, Captain Mel True saw one of his clients reeling in a big striped bass – then his line went dead.

At first, the fishermen thought the bass slipped its hook, but they felt the tug of something still on the line.

"Next thing you know, he's reeling in half a fish," True said.

Sensing an e

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