SHARKED Act of 2025

This legislation mandates the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force dedicated to addressing shark depredation , which involves sharks interacting with fishing gear or catch. The task force will comprise representatives from various fishery management bodies and scientific experts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating these interactions. Its primary goal is to improve coordination and communication across the fisheries management and shark research communities. Key responsibilities of the task force include identifying critical research priorities and funding opportunities, such as understanding shark species involved, habituation to humans, angler behavior influences, and the development of non-lethal deterrents. It will also develop recommended management strategies and coordinate the creation of educational materials to help the fishing community minimize shark interactions. Furthermore, the bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to specifically include research projects aimed at understanding and addressing shark depredation. The task force is required to report its findings to Congress biennially and will terminate after seven years.