Feds Force Fishermen to Attend Free Shark-Spotting and Handling Classes
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 2026, certain fishermen and shark dealers must attend free workshops to keep their permits valid. These workshops teach how to identify sharks and safely handle protected species, with sessions across the East Coast and Texas. Online recertification is also available, making it easier to stay up-to-date without extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Vessel owners/operators need safe-handling certificates
If you are a vessel owner or operator using bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear with shark or swordfish limited access permits, you must have a Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop certificate to fish or to renew/receive these permits. Certificates are valid for 3 years (certificates issued in 2023 will expire in 2026), and vessels may not fish with those permits unless both the vessel owner and an operator have valid certificates on board at all times.
Dealers must hold ID certificates
If you are a federally permitted Atlantic shark dealer, you must have a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate at each business location that first receives sharks to receive, purchase, trade, or barter for Atlantic sharks. Certificates are valid for 3 years (certificates issued in 2023 will expire in 2026) and a valid certificate must be submitted with permit renewal applications.
Dealers may send trained proxies
Permitted Atlantic shark dealers may send a proxy to the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop for a specific business location, but the proxy must be a current employee who primarily handles identification, weighing, or first receipt of fish and fills out dealer reports. Only one certificate is issued per proxy and dealers must designate a proxy for each business location if they use proxies.
Online recertification option available
If you previously attended an in-person workshop, you can recertify online (NMFS implemented this option in December 2021). Online recertification is available for shark dealers and vessel owners and operators who fish with longline or gillnet gear and links are provided at the NMFS workshop webpages.
Free regional workshops in early 2026
NOAA is offering free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops on January 15, February 19, and March 5, 2026 in Virginia Beach, VA; Melville, NY; and Wilmington, NC, and Safe Handling workshops on January 8, February 11, and March 17, 2026 in Portsmouth, NH; Marathon, FL; and Houston, TX. Additional free workshops will be announced later in 2026.
Dealers must carry certificates in conveyances
Atlantic shark dealers must keep a copy of a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate in any trucks or other conveyances that are extensions of a dealer's place of business.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-17247, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding important meetings from September 8 to 17, 2026, to discuss and decide on fishing rules in the Western Pacific. These meetings affect fishermen, local communities, and businesses by shaping how fish are managed and protected. Public comments are welcome by September 10, and the meetings will be both in-person and online, making it easy to join and stay informed.
2026-17248, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from September 16-21, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by discussing fishery rules, budgets, and habitat protection. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay updated on important fishery decisions that might impact fishing seasons and local economies.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23745, Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “A Bestiary of Ancient Nubia” Exhibition
The U.S. government has approved the temporary import of special ancient Nubian artifacts for an exciting exhibition at the University of Chicago. These culturally important objects will be shown to the public, helping everyone learn about Nubia’s rich history. This decision supports cultural exchange and has no direct cost impact on visitors or taxpayers.
Next: 2025-23756, Notice of Intent To Audit
The Copyright Royalty Board is planning to audit 10 media companies, including SiriusXM and Pandora, to check their royalty payments for 2022, 2023, and 2024. These companies must make sure their digital music use fees are accurate and up to date. The audits could affect how much money they owe or get back, so everyone should pay close attention!