Fishermen Head to Shark ID and Safe Handling Classes
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting April through June 2026, certain fishermen and shark dealers must attend free workshops to keep their permits valid. These workshops teach how to identify Atlantic sharks and safely handle protected species. Some workshops are in person, and online recertification is now available, making it easier and free to stay up to date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Vessel Owner/Operator Training Mandate
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 Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and have a valid certificate on board to fish or to renew/obtain those permits. Certificates are valid for 3 years (certificates issued in 2023 expire in 2026), at least one operator and the vessel owner must have certificates on board at all times, and scheduled workshops are April 8, May 4, and June 10, 2026.
Shark Dealer Workshop Requirement
If you are a federally permitted Atlantic shark dealer, you must have a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate on the premises for each business location that first receives Atlantic sharks to keep receiving sharks and to renew your permit. Certificates are valid for 3 years, certificates issued in 2023 will expire in 2026, and the scheduled in-person dealer workshops are April 15, 2026 (Vero Beach, FL) and June 17, 2026 (Mt. Pleasant, SC). Proxies are allowed under specified rules, and a copy of a valid dealer or proxy certificate must be kept in any trucks or conveyances that act as extensions of the business.
Online Recertification Option Available
If you previously completed an in-person Atlantic shark or Safe Handling workshop, you are eligible to recertify online (option implemented December 2021) at no cost by visiting https://hmsworkshop.fisheries.noaa.gov/start, which makes renewing certificates easier before they expire in 2026.
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