Washington D.C. – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House passage of the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue Act (SHARKED Act, H.R. 207). On January 21, the full House passed the bill with overwhelming support.

“As shark populations have rebounded in recent years through effective management and educational outreach, recreational and commercial anglers in the Gulf have reported experiencing an increase in shark depredation, whereby a shark eats or damages a hooked fish before the angler can reel in their catch,” said David Yoskowitz, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “This diminishes the recreational fishing experience—and can also lead to safety risks for both the angler and shark. By establishing a task force of fisheries managers and scientists dedicated to this issue, the SHARKED Act will help us find ways to better manage these interactions.”

The SHARKED Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force of representatives from the Regional Fishery Management Councils, Marine Fisheries Commissions, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and coastal state fish and wildlife agencies, as well as other experts, to coordinate on the issue of shark depredation. The task force will work to identify research priorities and funding opportunities to increase understanding of shark depredation and identify appropriate interventions.

We thank Representatives Wittman (R-VA), Soto (D-FL), Webster (R-FL), and Veasey (D-TX) for their leadership in addressing this important issue. The Association encourages the Senate to take up the measure quickly.