SHARKED Act of 2025
The SHARKED Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a Shark Depredation Task Force to identify and address the needs related to shark depredation, which occurs when sharks take fish that are caught or hooked, causing economic losses and safety concerns for fishers. The task force would be made up of representatives from regional and state fisheries bodies, including Regional Fishery Management Councils, Marine Fisheries Commissions and coastal-state wildlife agencies, plus experts in highly migratory species, shark management and ecology. Its duties include improving coordination between fisheries managers and researchers, setting research priorities and funding pathways, and developing management strategies and educational materials to reduce harmful interactions, including non-lethal deterrents. The act also authorizes related research projects under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and requires regular reporting to Congress, with a sunset of seven years. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not alter the authorities of the Endangered Species Act or the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a Shark Depredation Task Force under the Secretary of Commerce, with diverse membership from regional councils, coastal-state wildlife agencies, and NMFS, plus subject-matter experts on sharks and migratory species.
- 2Task force responsibilities include coordinating across fisheries and shark research communities, identifying research priorities and funding opportunities, and developing non-lethal deterrents and other strategies to reduce depredation, while considering ecological roles and climate change impacts.
- 3Requires the task force to develop recommended management strategies and to distribute educational materials to help the fishing community minimize interactions and adjust expectations/behavior.
- 4Adds a new research project focus under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to better understand depredation causes and address them.
- 5Mandates biennial Congress reports on findings and sets a sunset of seven years from establishment (the task force terminates after that period).