S. 2314: Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025

The proposed legislation, known as the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025 (or SHARKED Act of 2025), aims to address issues related to shark depredation. Shark depredation refers to events where sharks consume fish or other marine species, which can impact commercial and recreational fishing industries. The key components of the bill include:

Task Force Establishment

The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to create a task force focused on shark depredation. This task force will:

• Identify and address critical needs related to shark depredation.
• Include diverse members such as representatives from Regional Fishery Management Councils, state fish and wildlife agencies, and experts in shark behavior and ecology.

Responsibilities of the Task Force

The task force will have several responsibilities aimed at improving understanding and management of shark depredation. These include:

• Enhancing communication and coordination among fisheries management and shark research communities.
• Identifying research priorities and funding opportunities, including assessing which shark species are involved, understanding human-shark interactions, and evaluating the ecological role of sharks.
• Developing management strategies to address and mitigate shark depredation.
• Creating educational materials for the fishing community to reduce shark interactions through improved angler practices.

Reporting Requirements

The task force must submit its findings and reports to Congress every two years after its establishment, for a total span of up to seven years.

Research Projects

The bill also allocates funding towards research projects aimed at understanding the factors causing increases in shark depredation and determining effective responses.

Impact on Existing Laws

The act makes it clear that its provisions do not diminish the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to enforce the Endangered Species Act or the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Definitions

Coastal states, as defined in the bill, include those bordering the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and other territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

Relevant Companies

• TSN - Tyson Foods, Inc.: Dependence on marine fisheries for aquaculture could be affected by shark population management.
• BASS - ZALM, Inc.: Impacted by changes in fishing management strategies related to shark depredation.
• SBUX - Starbucks Corporation: Potential impacts on their sustainable sourcing initiatives related to certain fish products.