SHARKED Act of 2025
1/28/2025, 3:32 PMSummary of Bill HR 207
Bill 119 HR 207, also known as the Shark Depredation Task Force Act, is a piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of shark depredation, which is the act of sharks preying on fish caught by fishermen. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force specifically focused on studying and finding solutions to this problem.The task force will be responsible for conducting research on shark depredation, including studying the behavior of sharks and their impact on fishing communities. The goal of the task force is to develop strategies and recommendations to mitigate the negative effects of shark depredation on fishermen and their livelihoods.
In addition to studying shark depredation, the bill also includes provisions for promoting cooperation and communication between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as stakeholders in the fishing industry. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that the task force's recommendations are practical and effective in addressing the issue. Overall, Bill 119 HR 207 seeks to address the complex issue of shark depredation through research, collaboration, and the development of practical solutions. By establishing a dedicated task force, the bill aims to provide a comprehensive and non-partisan approach to addressing this important issue facing fishing communities across the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 207
Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025 or the SHARKED Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a task force to address and report to Congress about critical needs with respect to shark depredation. (Shark depredation is the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish by a shark directly from a fishing line before the line is retrieved.)
The duties of the task force are, among other responsibilities, to (1) develop ways to improve coordination and communication across the fisheries management and shark research communities; (2) identify research priorities and funding opportunities; (3) develop recommended management strategies to address shark depredation; and (4) coordinate the development and distribution of educational materials.
The bill specifies that the task force must include representatives of each Regional Fishery Management Council, each Marine Fisheries Commission, the fish and wildlife agencies of coastal states, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The task force must also include researchers and others with relevant expertise.
The task force must report its findings to Congress within two years after the bill's enactment and every two years thereafter until the task force is terminated. The task force sunsets within seven years after the date of its establishment.
