Government Extends Comment Time on Shark Fishing Rules—Chum In!
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen and shark enthusiasts, listen up! The government wants to change the rules for catching blacknose and Atlantic sharks, and they’re giving you more time to share your thoughts—now until May 29, 2026. These changes could affect how much you can fish and when, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the future of shark fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Change to Commercial Blacknose Limits
The proposed rule would modify the commercial retention limit for blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region. If you fish for blacknose sharks commercially, this could change how many blacknose sharks you are allowed to keep under federal rules (proposed January 5, 2026; comments accepted through May 29, 2026).
Removal of Blacknose Management Boundary
The proposal includes an option to remove the blacknose shark management boundary in the Atlantic region. Removing that boundary would change which Atlantic federal management rules apply to blacknose sharks across areas of the Atlantic.
Remove Commercial Quota Linkages
The proposed rule would remove commercial management group quota linkages, consistent with Amendment 14. If you participate in commercial shark fisheries, this could change how commercial quotas are allocated or used among management groups.
Recreational Bag Limit Reduction (Sharpnose/Bonnethead)
The proposal would revise recreational retention limits and includes changing the bag limit for Atlantic sharpnose and bonnethead sharks from one per person per trip to one per vessel per trip. If finalized, recreational anglers would be allowed to keep fewer of these sharks on group trips.
Recreational Minimum Size Limit Revisions
The proposed rule would revise recreational minimum size limits for Atlantic shark species. If adopted, these size changes would alter which sharks recreational anglers may legally keep under federal rules.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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