New Rules Reshape Atlantic Shark Fishing Zones and Tech Requirements
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Mid‑Atlantic shark area timing change
Starting April 3, 2026, the Mid‑Atlantic shark closed area will be closed each year from November 1 through May 31. This timing change directly affects bottom and pelagic longline fishermen who hold Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permits because it defines the months when that area is closed to fishing.
New Charleston & East Florida monitoring areas
Starting April 3, 2026, the Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast closed areas are changed to include high‑ and low‑bycatch‑risk zones and new monitoring (low‑bycatch‑risk) areas. Pelagic longline vessel owners who choose to fish inside those monitoring areas must pay for electronic monitoring (EM) sampling costs and arrange for extra EM video review for the part of the trip inside the monitoring area, and the monitoring areas will operate under effort caps and enhanced reporting.
No fleet‑wide EM cost requirement now
NMFS did not implement a fleet‑wide requirement that all vessel owners pay electronic monitoring (EM) sampling costs in this final rule and will consider fleet‑wide EM funding in a separate future action. Pelagic longline vessel owners only must pay EM sampling costs if they choose to fish in the monitoring areas described in this rule.
DeSoto Canyon remains closed year‑round
This rule maintains the current boundaries and timing of the DeSoto Canyon spatial management area, which will remain closed year‑round as of April 3, 2026. Bottom and pelagic longline fishermen with Atlantic HMS permits will continue to be unable to fish in that area year‑round under existing restrictions.
Three‑year data review requirement
The rule establishes a process to collect data from all spatial management areas and requires NMFS to evaluate each area once three years of catch and effort data are finalized and available, or earlier if warranted. This data collection and scheduled review can lead to future area changes that affect fishing access and monitoring for bottom and pelagic longline fishermen.
Research access via EFPs and SRPs
The rule allows data collection through cooperative research using exempted fishing permits (EFPs) or scientific research permits (SRPs) in high‑ and low‑bycatch‑risk areas (Charleston Bump, DeSoto Canyon, East Florida Coast). Researchers or vessel operators approved under EFPs or SRPs may conduct covered data collection consistent with the amendment's analyses and requirements.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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