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Mississippi’s new commercial shark fishery

By: Marcus Drymon / Published: Jun 04, 2020

Sharks are an important source of food and are consumed throughout the world. However, many species of sharks grow slowly, mature late in life and have low reproductive output. These traits make some shark populations particularly susceptible to overharvest and mean that for some species, even modest removals are unsustainable. Consequently, the management of shark fisheries can be complicated.  

How are sharks managed? In 1993, the U.S. federal government enacted the first Fishery Management Plan for sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. This plan outlawed shark finning, put in place recreational and commercial limits on shark harvest, and led to increased research efforts to better understand the biology of these fishes.

Has management been effective? In short, yes. After nearly three decades of management, shark populations in the Gulf of Mexico have begun to recover. While populations are nowhere near historical abundances, these upward trends are indicative of successful management practices.

Why did Mississippi open a commercial shark fishery? After reviewing the most recent science, the state of Mississippi opened a commercial shark fishery in February 2020. Only shark species with healthy populations are allowed to be harvested, namely blacktip shark, Atlantic sharpnose shark and finetooth shark. Recent assessments demonstrate that these species are not overfished and are not experiencing overfishing; as such, they are ideally suited for providing supplemental income for commercial fishers and healthy seafood for Gulf coast residents and tourists. 

Blacktip sharks must be at least 37 inches total length. Illustration by Bryan Huerta
Blacktip sharks must be at least 37 inches total length. Illustration by Bryan Huerta

What are the rules for the new fishery? Details of the new Mississippi commercial shark fishery can be found in Title 22, Part 7 of the Mississippi commercial saltwater rules and regulations and are summarized below.

  • Fishermen must possess the appropriate commercial fishing license, purchase a Commercial Shark Endorsement ($10) and attend a workshop on safe handling and species identification.
  • Harvest is generally year-round, but closes when the quota for the Western Gulf of Mexico subregion (west of 88 degrees longitude) is met. 
  • Sharks can be gutted prior to landing, but they must be landed with their fins naturally attached. Shark finning (removing only the fins and discarding the remainder of the shark) is illegal.
  • Small coastal sharks (e.g., Atlantic sharpnose sharks and finetooth sharks) must be at least 25 inches total length.  
  • Large coastal sharks (e.g., blacktip sharks) must be at least 37 inches total length. 
  • The aggregate bag limit is 25 sharks (small and/or large coastal sharks combined) per vessel per day.

The recently established Mississippi shark fishery is a perfect example of how fisheries science and fisheries management work in tandem to address the needs of stakeholders. I applaud the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for responding to the commercial fishermen who lobbied for this fishery. As a consumer, I look forward to supporting my local fishing industry by eating locally caught, sustainably harvested shark, and I encourage you to do the same!

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