Press Releases

WASHINGTON  – This week, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act  (S. 2314). This bill is a companion to the legislation introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and passed earlier this year by the House. In the Senate, the SHARKED Act is led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI).

The SHARKED Act will establish a task force 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.

“The SHARKED Act takes necessary steps to protect sharks from harmful practices and unsafe food sources, enhance marine life conservation, and improve conditions for anglers,” said Rep. Wittman. “I’m happy to see this legislation advance through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. I look forward to continuing my work to move this legislation through Congress and to the president’s desk.” 

Background: 

Congressman Wittman reintroduced the SHARKED Act in January of this year. Last Congress, this legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives. 

The SHARKED Act is supported by the 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.