Bill > S2314

This bill establishes a Shark Depredation Task Force through the Department of Commerce to address challenges related to shark interactions with humans and fisheries. The task force will include representatives from Regional Fishery Management Councils, Marine Fisheries Commissions, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, along with experts in shark management, behavior, and ecology. The task force's primary responsibilities include improving communication between fisheries management and shark research communities, identifying research priorities such as understanding shark species interactions, stock assessments, shark habituation to humans, and the impacts of climate change on shark populations. They will develop management strategies to reduce harmful shark interactions, create educational materials for the fishing community, and submit biennial reports to Congress. The task force will be operational for up to 7 years and will also support research projects aimed at understanding shark depredation, including investigating the causes of increased shark interactions and developing strategies to mitigate these encounters. The bill ensures that these new provisions do not interfere with existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Transportation and Infrastructure

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