NOAA Fisheries has released the following video to help anglers identify dusky and other prohibited shark species. Focused on safe handling and release of sharks and current fishing regulations, the video accompanies a suite of educational materials provided by NOAA in preparation for the new regulations effective with the New Year.
Beginning January 1, 2018, recreational fishermen, including charter/headboat fishermen that fish for, retain, posses, or land sharks in federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean must have a valid “shark endorsement” added to their HMS permit. Atlantic tunas General category and Swordfish General Commercial permit holders must also have a shark endorsement for registered tournaments.
The video is required viewing for permit holders requesting the shark endorsement, and will be followed by a brief, educational quiz.
