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Last week, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed by unanimous consent the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act, which has been a top priority for the recreational boating and fishing industry.

Shark depredation has been a growing concern amongst recreational anglers, as more and more sharks are eating or damaging a hooked fish before it can be reeled in. The SHARKED Act would establish a task force, which would be comprised of fisheries and shark experts responsible for improving coordination and communication on shark depredation across the fisheries management community. The task force would be responsible for identifying research priorities and funding opportunities to limit depredation throughout the country.

NMMA, along with the recreational boating and fishing community, including the American Sportfishing Association, signed a letter of support for the legislation earlier this summer, thanking the bill’s sponsors for leading this important piece of conservation legislation. With the committee’s approval, the bill now heads to the full U.S. House for its consideration.

NMMA will continue closely monitoring this situation as it unfolds and will continue to advocate for the industry’s priorities with lawmakers and key staff. For more information, please contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA's director of federal government relations, at [email protected].