SHARKED Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 4, 2026
Bottom line
The SHARKED Act of 2025 establishes a federal task force and expands research priorities to better understand and mitigate shark depredation on fishing gear and catches.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Shark Depredation Task Force to identify and address critical needs related to sharks interacting with fishing activities. The task force will improve coordination, identify research priorities, develop management strategies, and create educational materials. Additionally, the bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include shark depredation research as a specific priority.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial, coordinated approach to a growing problem affecting fishing communities and marine ecosystems. By bringing together diverse experts and stakeholders, it will foster a better scientific understanding of shark behavior and interactions, leading to more effective, non-lethal mitigation strategies and educational outreach for anglers.
Opponents contend
No significant organized opposition to this bill is apparent, as its focus is on research and coordination. However, potential critics might raise concerns about the creation of another federal task force adding to bureaucratic overhead without guaranteed tangible outcomes, or question the allocation of resources to this specific issue compared to other pressing fishery management challenges.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and intent in a short amount of time.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Shark Depredation Task Force
This provision directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a task force specifically focused on identifying and addressing critical needs related to shark depredation. The task force will include representatives from various regional fishery management bodies, coastal state agencies, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and experts in shark management, behavior, and ecology, ensuring a broad range of perspectives.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated task force with diverse expertise is essential for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the complex issue of shark depredation, which impacts both fisheries and shark populations.
Critics contend
Critics, if any, might suggest that creating a new task force could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or duplicate efforts already underway within existing agencies, potentially delaying actionable solutions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for a focused, multi-stakeholder approach with the potential for increased administrative overhead in establishing and maintaining a new federal body.
Section 2(a)(3) and (4)
Task Force Responsibilities, Research Priorities, and Reporting
This section outlines the specific duties of the task force, including improving coordination among fisheries and shark research communities, identifying key research priorities (such as shark species involved, stock assessments, habituation to humans, angler behavior, non-lethal deterrents, the role of sharks in the food web, and climate change impacts), developing management strategies, and creating educational materials for anglers. The task force is required to submit biennial reports to Congress and will terminate after 7 years.
Section 2(b)
Amendment to Magnuson-Stevens Act for Shark Depredation Research
This provision amends Section 318(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which outlines research priorities, to specifically include 'Projects to better understand shark depredation, including identifying what causes increases in shark depredation and determining how to best address shark depredation.' This formally integrates shark depredation into the federal fisheries research agenda.