Summary

Creates a Shark Depredation Task Force led by the Secretary of Commerce to study why sharks eat or damage fish caught on lines or nets (“shark depredation”), share findings with fishery managers, researchers, and the fishing community, and develop practical ways to reduce it. The task force must set research priorities, suggest management strategies, and create educational materials. It must report to Congress every two years and will end no later than seven years after it starts. The measure also adds research projects under existing federal fisheries law to better understand causes of shark depredation and how to address it.

Key Points

• Creates a federal task force to study and address shark depredation.
• Directs the task force to set research priorities, management strategies, and education for fishers.
• Requires biennial reports to Congress on progress and recommendations.
• Sunsets the task force within 7 years of its creation.
• Adds shark depredation studies to federal fisheries research under Magnuson–Stevens.
• Focuses on reducing economic losses to fishers while improving science-based management.
• Emphasizes information sharing among managers, researchers, and the fishing community.
• Does not impose new regulations or taxes.

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