Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced the re-introduction of his Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last year. 

The SHARKED Act will establish a task force to work with fisheries management groups to address the problems posed by increased shark depredation – the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish by a shark directly from an angler’s line before the line can be retrieved – and to identify research and funding opportunities for improving the current conditions of shark depredation.

“As a lifelong fisherman, I have seen firsthand the impact of shark depredation on our marine ecosystem and the sportfishing community,” said Congressman Wittman. “The SHARKED Act will address these challenges by enhancing marine life conservation and improving conditions for anglers, all while ensuring sharks are protected from harmful practices and unsafe food sources. I was proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House last year, and I’m committed to securing its passage once again to advance it through the Senate and to the president’s desk. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues from across the aisle in this effort, and I’m determined to lead the way in restoring the health of our marine ecosystem and enhancing the fishing experience for all.”

Supporting organizations: American Fisheries Society, American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, BoatUS, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Guy Harvey Foundation, International Game Fish Association, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Read the full bill text here.

###