Shark Laws: Managing the Atlantic Shark Fishery

The Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is responsible for the management of the US federal shark fishery in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Federal management of the Atlantic shark fishery began in 1993, and the management measures established at that time are the basis for those in place today, including permitting and reporting requirements, management complexes, commercial quotas, and recreational bag limits. This session will provide an update on the current state of the Atlantic shark fishery.

Ann Williamson is a fishery management specialist in the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division. In this position she develops and implements regulations for the sustainable management of Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries. Previously, Ann coordinated clearance of all NOAA Fisheries regulatory actions and was a fisheries observer in the Northeast groundfish and Atlantic scallop fisheries. Ann received her master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy from American University and her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Eckerd College.