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No Fishing Great White Sharks CDFW Reminds Anglers

By May 30, 2017No Comments

No Fishing White Sharks

white sharks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:White_shark.jpg

In 1994, white sharks received special protected status in California law, which prohibits take of white sharks, except by special permit and some commercial incidental take allowances. Additionally, state regulations protect white sharks from recreational fishing. Federal regulations implemented in 2004 prohibit white shark retention in California, requiring their immediate release if caught. Under these protections, it is illegal to fish for or purposely attract white sharks and they must be released immediately if incidentally caught while fishing for other species.

These laws and regulations are in place because of white shark biology. As a top-level predator with naturally low reproduction, white sharks are susceptible to overfishing. Additionally, nearshore areas in northern Baja and Southern California are known as a “nursery ground” for juvenile white sharks. Most of the sharks observed off Southern California beaches are sub-adults that typically feed on fish. Sharks in this high human population area can be particularly vulnerable to capture and incidental take.

According to CDFW Law Enforcement Division Captain Rebecca Hartman, “it is illegal not only to catch and keep a white shark, but to pursue one as well.” This means intentionally pursuing or otherwise attracting white sharks is prohibited.

With white sharks near Southern California beaches, CDFW Wildlife Officers will be looking for people trying to catch them. “We want to protect the sharks and the public,” said Captain Hartman. “Our biggest concern is that someone will accidentally hurt themselves or someone else while illegally trying to catch a white shark.”

To learn more about white sharks in California, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/White-Shark.