2024 Atlantic Shark Commercial Fishery Landings and Retention Limit Updates
Monthly Atlantic shark commercial catch statistics for 2024.
The following are preliminary landings estimates in metric tons (mt) and pounds (lb) dressed weight (dw) for the Atlantic shark commercial fisheries; 1 mt is equal to 2,204.6 pounds. These preliminary estimates are based on dealer reports and other information received throughout the year. The estimates include landings by state-only permitted vessels, federally permitted vessels, and the 2024 shark research fishery participants. We provide percentages of landings instead of estimated landings or show the "<" symbol where needed to continue ensuring participant confidentiality.
NOAA Fisheries will announce closures of management groups when landings reach or are projected to reach 80 percent of the available overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota, unless the management group’s landings are not projected to reach 100 percent of the applicable quota before the end of the year. Management groups that are quota linked close when landings of either of the linked management groups reach or are projected to reach 80 percent of the available overall, regional, and/or sub-regional quota, unless the management group’s landings are not projected to reach 100 percent of the applicable quota before the end of the year.
The fishing seasons for all shark management groups opened on January 1, 2024.
On December 23, 2022, the President of the United States signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions on the sale of shark fins. NOAA Fisheries is currently considering the new legislation to determine next steps.
For more information regarding these landings estimates contact Heather Baertlein (Heather.Baertlein@noaa.gov) or call 301-427-8534.
January 1 – July 25, 2024
Posted August 29
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of July 25, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 7/25/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | 69.2 mt (152,603 lb) | 20% | 230.1 mt (507,241 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | 27.4 mt (60,354 lb) | 38% | 76.1 mt (167,689 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <3 mt (<6,612 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | 11.6 mt (25,514 lb) | 31% | 1.5 mt (3,289 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | 16.6 mt (36,608 lb) | 19% | 2.3 mt (5,095 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | <6 mt (<13,228 lb) | <45% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) | |
| N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | 36.4 mt (80,266 lb) | 32% | 13.2 mt (29,117 lb) |
| N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of July 25, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 7/25/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 43.5 mt (95,985 lb) | 28% | 65.6 mt (144,634 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 10.0 mt (22,088 lb) | 37% | 18.9 mt (41,579 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 37.9 mt (83,489 lb) | 14% | 38.1 mt (84,056 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | 3.6 mt (7,854 lb) | 20% | 3.7 mt (8,246 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 215.7 mt (475,523 lb) | 12% | 229.5 mt (506,032 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 7/25/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | <9 mt (<19,841 lb) | <18% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <55 mt (<121,253 lb) | <61% | <22 mt (<48,500 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <1 mt (< 2,205 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) |
| Common Thresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 12.0 mt (26,506 lb) | 2% | 14.8 mt (32,651 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022). 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of July 25, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 7/25/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 43.5 mt (95,985 lb) | 28% | 65.6 mt (144,634 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 10.0 mt (22,088 lb) | 37% | 18.9 mt (41,579 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 37.9 mt (83,489 lb) | 14% | 38.1 mt (84,056 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | 3.6 mt (7,854 lb) | 20% | 3.7 mt (8,246 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 215.7 mt (475,523 lb) | 12% | 229.5 mt (506,032 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 7/25/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | <9 mt (<19,841 lb) | <18% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <55 mt (<121,253 lb) | <61% | <22 mt (<48,500 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <1 mt (< 2,205 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) |
| Common Thresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 12.0 mt (26,506 lb) | 2% | 14.8 mt (32,651 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
January 1 – June 14, 2024
Posted August 29
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of June 14, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 6/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | 61.9 mt (136,377 lb) | 18% | 229.8 mt (506,606 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | 25.0 mt (55,127 lb) | 35% | 75.9 mt (167,314 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <3 mt (<6,612 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | 6.0 mt (13,156 lb) | 16% | 0.9 mt (2,028 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | 11.6 mt (25,583 lb) | 14% | 1.5 mt (3,224 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | <5 mt (<11,023 lb) | <38% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) | |
| N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | 11.8 mt (26,052 lb) | 11% | 7.1 mt (15,624 lb) |
| N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of June 14, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 6/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 33.9 mt (74,751 lb) | 20% | 54.1 mt (119,267 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 6.9 mt (15,317 lb) | 26% | 18.1 mt (39,865 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 31.7 mt (69,927 lb) | 12% | 29.2 mt (64,293 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | 2.6 mt (5,763 lb) | 15% | <3 mt (<6,612 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 87.6 mt (193,139 lb) | 5% | 162.6 mt (358,358 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 6/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | <3 mt (<6,614 lb) | <6% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <40 mt (<88,184 lb) | <45% | <22 mt (<48,500 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <2 mt (< 4,409 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) |
| CommonThresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 5.6 mt (12,328 lb) | 1% | 12.2 mt (26,897 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
January 1 – May 11, 2024
Posted August 29
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of May 11, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 5/11/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | 48 mt (105,924 lb) | 14% | 225.3 mt (496,649 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | <25 mt (<55,115 lb) | <35% | 75.9 mt (167,296 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <3 mt (<6,612 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | 2.7 mt (5,939 lb) | 7% | 0.6 mt (1,394 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | 7.1 mt (15,613 lb) | 8% | <1 mt (327 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | <4 mt (<8,818 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) | |
| N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | 6.8 mt (15,038 lb) | 6% | <1 mt (351 lb) |
| N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of May 11, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 5/11/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 28.9 mt (63,614 lb) | 17% | 41.8 mt (92,088 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 5.8 mt (12,696 lb) | 21% | 12.9 mt (28,547 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 28.4 mt (62,571 lb) | 11% | 18.8 mt (41,502 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | 2.2 mt (4,917 lb) | 13% | <3 mt (<6,612 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 25.9 mt (57,145 lb) | 1% | 47.0 mt (103,672 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 5/11/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | <3 mt (<6,614 lb) | <6% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <30 mt (<66,138 lb) | <34% | <22 mt (<48,500 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <1 mt (< 2,205 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,408 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,204 lb) |
| CommonThresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 5.6 mt (12,328 lb) | 1% | 9.9 mt (21,910 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
January 1 – April 19, 2024
Posted May 9
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of April 19, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 4/19/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | <50 mt (<110,230 lb) | <15% | <225 mt (< 496,000 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | <25 mt (<55,115 lb) | <35% | <76 mt (<168,500 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <3 mt (<6,613 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | 2.1 mt (4,672 lb) | 6% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | <5 mt (<11,020 lb) | <6% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) | |
N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | <10 mt (<22,046 lb) | <9% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) |
N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of April 19, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 4/19/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 18.0 mt (39,544 lb) | 11% | 30.9 mt (68,212 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 4.0 mt (8,827 lb) | 15% | 8.0 mt (17,547 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 24.1 mt (53,032 lb) | 9% | 14.6 mt (32,130 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | 1.8 mt (3,872 lb) | 10% | <3 mt (<6,613 lb) |
Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 20.1 mt (44,278 lb) | 1% | 11.4 mt (25,236 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 4/19/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <2% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <1 mt (< 2,205 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,409 lb) |
Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) |
CommonThresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 5.1 mt (11,244 lb) | 1% | 2.6 mt (5,635 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks Other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
January 1 – March 12, 2024
Posted March 19
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of March 12, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 3/12/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | <24 mt (<52,910 lb) | <7% | <215 mt (< 474,000 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | <15 mt (<33,069 lb) | <21% | <72 mt (<158,700 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <3 mt (<6,600 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <3% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <2% | 0 mt (0 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) | |
| N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | <2 mt (<4,409 lb) | <2% | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) |
| N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of March 12, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 3/12/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 8.4 mt (18,595 lb) | 5% | 25.5 mt (56,134 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 2.6 mt (5,701 lb) | 9.5% | 4.4 mt (9,788 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 21.6 mt (47,515 lb) | 8% | 12.4 mt (27,447 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | <1 mt (2,141 lb) | 6% | <2 mt (<4,409 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 12.6 mt (27,854 lb) | <1% | 7.4 mt (16,321 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 3/12/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <2% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | <1 mt (< 2,205 lb) | <1% | <2 mt (<4,409 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <30% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
| CommonThresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 3.7 mt (8,204 lb) | <1% | 2.6 mt (5,635 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks Other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
January 1 – February 14, 2024
Posted February 20
Gulf of Mexico Region
- Includes any landings south and west 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of February 14, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Sub-Region | Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 2/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Gulf of Mexico (West of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 347.2 mt (765,392 lb) | <6 mt (<13,230 lb) | <2% | < 66 mt (< 145,500 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 72.0 mt (158,724 lb) | <2 mt (<4,410 lb) | <3% | < 18 mt (<39,700 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 11.9 mt (26,301 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | < 1 mt (< 2,200 lb) | |
Eastern Gulf of Mexico (East of 88° W. long. only) | Blacktip | 37.7 mt (83,158 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 85.5 mt (188,593 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) | |
Hammerhead† (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 13.4 mt (29,421 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) | |
| N/A | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | 112.6 mt (248,215 lb) | <1 mt (<2,200 lb) | <1% | <1 mt (<2,200 lb) |
| N/A | Smoothhound | 504.6 mt (1,112,441 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
Atlantic Region
- Includes any landings north of 25° 20.4’ N. latitude.
- As of February 14, 2024, the retention limit for directed permit holders is 55 large coastal sharks other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip, and the retention limit for all permit holders is 8 blacknose sharks per vessel per trip.
- The retention limit for directed permit holders can change throughout the season.
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 2/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregated LCS (quota linked to Hammerhead) | 168.9 mt (372,552 lb) | 5.0 mt (11,041 lb) | 3% | 6.1 mt (13,531 lb) |
Hammerhead (quota linked to Agg. LCS) | 27.1 mt (59,736 lb) | 2.1 mt (4,639 lb) | 8% | 1.7 mt (3,652 lb) |
Non-Blacknose Small Coastal (quota linked to Blacknose south of 34° N. lat. only) | 264.1 mt (582,333 lb) | 20.0 mt (44,159 lb) | 8% | 6.9 mt (15,137 lb) |
Blacknose (South of 34° N. lat. only) | 17.2 mt (37,921 lb) | <1 mt (1,263 lb) | 3% | <1 mt (<2,200 lb) |
| Smoothhound | 1,802.6 mt (3,973,902 lb) | 12.0 mt (26,509lb) | <1% | 3.2 mt (7,067 lb) |
No Regional Quotas
| Shark Management Group | 2024 Quota (dressed weight, dw) | Estimated Landings through 2/14/2024 (dw) | % of 2024 Quota | 2023 Landings through Same Reporting Period (dw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Research Fishery (Aggregated LCS) | 50.0 mt (110,230 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
Shark Research Fishery (Sandbar only) | 90.7 mt (199,943 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
| Blue | 273.0 mt (601,856 lb) | 0 mt (0 lb) | 0% | <1 mt (<2,200 lb) |
| Porbeagle | 1.7 mt (3,748 lb) | <1 mt (<2,205 lb) | <1% | 0 mt (0 lb) |
| CommonThresher†† | 488.0 mt (1,075,856 lb) | 2.8 mt (6,272 lb) | <1% | 1.4 mt (3,129 lb) |
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. Effective February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).
Species in each shark management group that has multiple species
| Aggregated Large Coastal (LCS) | Hammerhead† | Non-Blacknose Small Coastal | Pelagic Sharks Other than Porbeagle or Blue†† | Smoothhound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
* Blacktip shark is part of its own management group in the Gulf of Mexico Region.
** Smooth dogfish is the only smoothhound species in the Atlantic Region.
† The retention of hammerhead sharks (great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks), effective February 2, 2024, is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024).
†† At this time, only the common thresher shark may be retained in Atlantic HMS fisheries for the “Pelagic Sharks other than Blue or Porbeagle” management group. As of February 2, 2024, oceanic whitetip shark is included with the Atlantic HMS prohibited sharks management group (89 FR 278, January 3, 2024), and effective July 2022, the shortfin mako shark retention limit in all commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is zero (87 FR 39373, July 1, 2022).