Commerce Dept. asked to form shark depredation task force

What does this do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to form a task force focused on shark depredation, which is when sharks take fish off fishing lines or disrupt fishing. The group would coordinate research, recommend management strategies, and share educational materials with fishers. It must report to Congress every two years and will close automatically after seven years.

Who does it affect?

The task force would include fishery councils, state coastal wildlife agencies, marine fisheries commissions, federal fisheries officials, and shark researchers. Commercial and recreational fishers in coastal states and U.S. territories would be most directly affected.

Why does it matter?

Without coordinated research and communication, fishing managers and shark scientists have limited ways to share information or address depredation together. This bill creates a structure for that coordination and adds shark depredation research to the list of projects eligible under existing federal fisheries law.

Where does it stand?