WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Brian Schatz announced the introduction of the bipartisan Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act to establish a federal task force dedicated to addressing the rising issue of shark depredation, which happens when sharks partially or fully remove fish from anglers’ lines before retrieval. The SHARKED Act aims to bring together federal agencies, regional fisheries councils, scientists, and stakeholders to research, manage, and mitigate shark interactions that are affecting commercial and recreational fisheries and can disrupt the ecosystem.

Companion legislation led by Congressman Rob Wittman has passed the House of Representatives in January 2025. 

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

Senator Rick Scott said, “The growing number of encounters between sharks and Florida anglers is disrupting our fishing industry, harming local economies, and putting Floridians at risk. I’m proud to lead the SHARKED Act in the Senate, which brings together experts and stakeholders to find commonsense solutions to address the rising issue of shark depredation to support our fishing industries and protect both humans and sharks from danger.”

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