Federal management of US Atlantic shark fisheries

Abstract

The Highly Migratory Species Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for managing 39 species of Atlantic sharks throughout their range in the US exclusive economic zones of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Through the implementation of a Fishery Management Plan, the US harvest of Atlantic sharks is regulated by commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational bag limits, fishery closures, prohibited species, prohibition of finning, and mandatory reporting requirements. While problems still exist in the US shark fishery, NMFS is conducting proactive management designed to help prevent overexploitation and ensure long-term sustainability of Atlantic shark resources.