Congress takes up legislation to reduce shark “tax” on fishermen

While the possibility of shark depredation–a shark biting an angler’s hooked fish–has always existed, the frequency has increased rapidly in recent years, largely due to recovering shark populations, increased angler activity and complicated management authority between states, the federal government and international fisheries treaties.

Although shark depredation is mostly thought of as an issue in Southeast and Gulf of Mexico fisheries, striped bass, tuna, and groundfish anglers in the Northeast have also been reporting more frequent shark interactions.

The bipartisan Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems Through Research, Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act (HR 207), introduced by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), directs NOAA to establish a task force to reduce shark depredation, or the consumption of all or part of a hooked fish before the angler can reel in their catch. If enacted, the bill will convene fisheries managers and shark experts to improve coordination and communication across the fisheries management community. This task force will also identify research priorities and funding opportunities.

“Sharks are an important part of our marine ecosystems but angler encounters with sharks have become more frequent, leading to dangerous interactions for both fishermen and sharks,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association. “The relationship between sharks and anglers is complicated and multifaceted, and the SHARKED Act takes steps to start solving problems that will improve the angling experience and support the $230 billion sportfishing industry.”

The SHARKED Act passed the House of Representatives in February 2024 but stalled in the Senate during the last Congress.

Source: https://onthewater.com/congress-takes-up-legislation-to-reduce-shark-tax-on-fishermen

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