Tope Sharks in Africa and Atlantic Face Threatened Status Proposal
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
NOAA reviewed the tope shark and found it has six groups. Two groups—off Southern Africa and the Southwest Atlantic—are at risk and may be listed as threatened soon. This could affect fishing rules and conservation efforts, with public comments open until June 15, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Tope Shark Groups Proposed Threatened
NOAA proposes to list two distinct tope shark population segments as threatened under the Endangered Species Act: the Southern Africa DPS (Namibia to East London, South Africa) and the Southwest Atlantic DPS (southern Brazil to Patagonia). The proposal opens a public comment period that ends June 15, 2026.
Four Tope Shark Groups Not Listed
NOAA determined that four other tope shark population segments do not meet the definition of threatened or endangered under the ESA: the Northeast Atlantic, Northeast Pacific, Southwest Pacific, and Southeast Pacific DPSs. Those four DPSs are not proposed for ESA listing in this action.
Petition Asked For 4(d) and 4(e) Protections
The petitioners asked NMFS to adopt a protective regulation under ESA section 4(d) if the tope shark or any DPS is listed as threatened, and to adopt a section 4(e) rule for species similar in appearance to the tope shark. Those requests are part of the record being considered in this proposed action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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