Fishermen Forced to Attend Free Shark School to Keep Permits
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Notice
Summary
If you’re a fisherman or shark dealer with a federal permit, you’ve got to join free shark ID or safe handling workshops in April, May, or June 2025 to keep your permit valid. These workshops teach you how to spot sharks and handle them safely, plus there’s a new online option for recertification. No fees, just important training to keep you fishing right and legal!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Dealers Must Attend Shark ID Workshop
If you are a federally permitted Atlantic shark dealer, you must attend a free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop in April, May, or June 2025 to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain a valid dealer permit. The workshops are free and additional sessions will be announced later in 2025.
Vessel Owners Must Take Safe-Handling Workshop
If you are a vessel owner or operator who uses bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear and hold a shark or swordfish limited access permit, you must attend a free Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop in April, May, or June 2025 to meet regulatory requirements and maintain your permit. Additional free workshops will be announced later in 2025.
Online Recertification Available
NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for people who already completed an in-person training, letting previously trained fishermen and dealers recertify without attending another in-person session. The online recertification option applies to those with prior in-person training and is offered in 2025.
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