Uncle Sam Forces Shark Dealers into Mandatory ID Workshops – Catch This!
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in October, November, and December of 2026. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. In addition, NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for persons who have already taken an in-person training.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Longline/gillnet vessel owners/operators must be certified
If you are a vessel owner or operator who uses bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear and have a shark or swordfish limited access permit, you must attend a Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and hold a valid certificate to fish or to renew 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 new applicants who intend to fish with longline or gillnet gear must submit a workshop certificate before a permit will be issued. Workshops are scheduled for October 14, 2026 (Warwick, RI), November 2, 2026 (Kitty Hawk, NC), and December 3, 2026 (Manahawkin, NJ).
Dealers must hold ID workshop certificates
If you are a federally permitted Atlantic shark dealer, you may not receive, purchase, trade, or barter for Atlantic sharks unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on the premises for each business location that first receives sharks. Certificates are valid for 3 years (certificates issued in 2023 expire in 2026), and you cannot renew a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid certificate for each relevant business location is submitted with the permit renewal application. Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are scheduled for October 19, 2026 in Wilmington, NC and November 11, 2026 in Largo, FL.
Dealer proxy attendance allowed with conditions
Federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers may send a proxy to an Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop, but a dealer must designate a proxy for each business location that first receives Atlantic sharks. Only one certificate is issued per proxy, and the proxy must be employed by the business, be a primary participant in identification/receipt/weighting of fish, and fill out dealer reports.
Online recertification available for prior trainees
NMFS provides an online recertification option for shark dealers and for vessel owners/operators who fish with longline or gillnet gear, but only if the person previously attended an in-person workshop. Online recertification has been available since December 2021 and can be accessed at https://hmsworkshop.fisheries.noaa.gov/start.
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