Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Shark Research Fishery

Applications due December 9, 2024

NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications from commercial fishermen with Atlantic shark Directed or Incidental permits for participation in the 2025 shark research fishery.

Applicants must submit a completed application and required vessel information by December 9, 2024 for consideration.

Permit information

The shark research fishery permit allows commercial fishermen to land sandbar and other shark species from federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. NOAA Fisheries may provide participants monetary compensation for some fishing trips when fishing according to specific requirements. Shark research fishery trips are subject to 100-percent observer coverage. NOAA Fisheries uses the scientific data collected by fishery observers in shark stock assessments.

Shark research fishery permits issued in 2025 will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2025, unless otherwise specified. They are only valid for the specific vessel and owner(s) listed on the permit and are subject to the terms and conditions listed on the permit.

How to apply

Applications are available on our website.