Bill > S2314

This bill, known as the SHARKED Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force focused on addressing "shark depredation," which refers to instances where sharks interfere with fishing activities or damage catches. The task force will include representatives from various fishery management councils, marine fisheries commissions, state fish and wildlife agencies, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and experts in shark management, behavior, and ecology. Its responsibilities include improving communication between fisheries and shark researchers, identifying research priorities such as understanding the causes of increased shark interactions, developing strategies to reduce harmful interactions using non-lethal methods, and creating educational materials for the fishing community. The task force will report its findings to Congress for two years after its establishment and will terminate within seven years. Additionally, the bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to specifically fund research projects aimed at understanding and addressing shark depredation, while clarifying that this legislation does not alter existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act or the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2314/all-info