The Supporting the Well being of Aquatic Techniques By way of Analysis, Data and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act (HR 207) has been reintroduced into the U.S. Home of Representatives. A bipartisan effort, the SHARKED ACT, launched by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Marc Veasey (D-TX), would direct NOAA (Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to create a activity pressure to cut back shark depredation. This reintroduction is constructing upon the unique momentum from the 118th Congress and is being applauded by the sportfishing trade and leisure fishing group. Whereas the SHARKED Act has initially handed the the Home in February of 2024, it received stalled within the final Congress.
“Sharks are an essential a part of our marine ecosystems however angler encounters with sharks have turn out to be extra frequent, resulting in harmful interactions for each fishermen and sharks,” mentioned Mike Leonard, Vice President of Authorities Affairs on the American Sportfishing Affiliation. “The connection between sharks and anglers is difficult and multifaceted, and the SHARKED Act takes steps to start out fixing issues that can enhance the angling expertise and assist the $230 billion sportfishing trade.”
Whereas sharks taking fish has been one thing that has at all times occurred, many anglers have observed a notable uptick in shark depredation in recent times. This largely has been because of the recovering shark populations, extra anglers fishing, and sophisticated administration authority between totally different states, the federal authorities, and worldwide fisheries treaties. Hopefully, with the SHARKED Act, a significant resolution and administration system will be established.
To study extra on the SHARKED Act and keep updated on it, take a look at the ASA (American Sportfishing Affiliation) web page right here.
In 2022, ASA launched a place assertion on addressing shark depredation which we hope the duty pressure will use to information their work. The assertion requires a four-tiered strategy to enhancing shark-angler interactions:
- Educating anglers on how you can keep away from and reply to shark interactions.
- Contemplate how shark administration measures influence different fisheries and vice versa.
- Coverage options to cut back shark-human encounters, such because the prohibition of “shark feeding” nationwide.
- Continued analysis into shark inhabitants assessments, depredation frequency and administration adjustments.
ASA and 14 leisure fishing and conservation organizations despatched a letter to Congress supporting the SHARKED Act.
