Large Coastal Shark Retention Limit Increase

Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico region with Shark Directed limited access permits may retain up to 55 large coastal sharks (LCS) other than sandbar sharks, including hammerhead sharks, and blacktip sharks per vessel per trip as of August 24, 2021.

What is changing?

NOAA Fisheries is increasing retention limits for directed shark limited access permit holders
from 45 to 55 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the Gulf of Mexico region. In the eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-region, this applies to any shark in the aggregated LCS,
hammerhead, or blacktip management groups. In the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region,
because aggregated LCS and hammerhead management groups are closed, this increase only applies to the blacktip management group.

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
Gulf of Mexico region through the remainder 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 Gulf of Mexico region.

Questions?

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