New York governor Andrew Cuomo and his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, are in hot water over their catch of a thresher shark during a fishing expedition over the weekend.

The 154.5-pound shark was caught by the Cuomos and two friends during a fishing trip on Long Island and the backlash was prompted when the governor and, later, his chief-of-staff, posted photos of the catch on Twitter.

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

The response online was swift, with many replying directly to the governor's original photos.

Lost for words. Governor of New York State Andrew Cuomo @NYGovCuomo kills an @IUCNRedList Threatened thresher shark for fun.

— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) August 29, 2016

@NYGovCuomo why are you so proud of killing a species of shark that is clearly identified as threatened? Donate to @Bite_Back to make amends

— Gareth Dean (@GarethDeanPR) August 29, 2016

@NYGovCuomo not a fan of yours anymore. So disappointed Mr. Cuomo. So disappointed...

— Ana Maria (@ana_maria_zea) August 28, 2016

According to international nongovernmental conservation organization International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the three species of thresher shark are currently listed as "vulnerable."

The shark is not currently listed as either "threatened" or "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act. Nor is it listed as "endangered," "threatened," or of "special concern" by the state of New York.

The state of New York allows for the catching of the common thresher shark as long as the length from tip of its snout to its tail fork is at least 54 inches. However, fishing of the bigeye thresher is prohibited by state law.

A Cuomo rep told the New York Post, “This is an edible game fish that is indigenous to New York waters and catching them is allowable under both state and federal regulations.”

These facts, though, hardly helped Cuomo with public perception.

@NYGovCuomo that's a damned shame. That poor animal is far more impressive in the sea than on your dock.

— Phil Kohler (@pkohler01) August 28, 2016

Speaking to the Guardian, the UN’s patron of the oceans, Lewis Pugh said:

“The environment is the primary issue on the global agenda, so it is extraordinary that a senior politician could be so ignorant about it... Apex predators such as sharks are crucial for the ocean ecosystems. For a public figure to kill such an animal and then boast about it on social media is dangerously irresponsible. This shows a clear lack of judgment and calls to question his capability as a public leader.”

Cuomo gained notice in 2013 when he signed a bill that banned the sale and trade of shark fins, often used in shark fin soup.

As for the shark's ultimate fate with the Cuomos, Gothamistpoints to Chris Cuomo's Instagram photo of the shark, which says, "Grilled it simply with a little Mediterranean rub. Tasty."

The 4 amici with the 155 thresher. Broke the rod, broke the line, but we still got him in. And then we had a feast! I always say the catching is a bonus. It is a day on the water with these good men. Brother, brother in law Brian, and Capt Vince - who is like family even more than some family! Grilled it simply with a little Mediterranean rub. Tasty.

A photo posted by Christopher C. Cuomo (@chrisccuomo) on Aug 29, 2016 at 7:48am PDT