Large Coastal Shark Retention Limit Increase

Fishermen in the Atlantic with Shark Directed limited access permits may retain up to 55 large
coastal sharks (LCS) other than sandbar sharks, including hammerhead sharks, per vessel per trip
as of March 23, 2021.

What is changing?

NOAA Fisheries is increasing the retention limit for the commercial aggregated LCS and hammerhead shark management groups in the Atlantic region from 36 to 55 LCS.

How long will the adjustment be effective?

The retention limit will remain at 55 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the Atlantic region through the rest of 2021 unless we announce another adjustment or fishery closure in the Federal Register.

Who is affected?

This retention limit adjustment affects anyone with a Shark Directed limited access permit fishing for LCS in the Atlantic region.

Questions?

Call the Atlantic HMS Management Division: 301-427-8503