Off the Hook: 10 Sharks Protected From Fishing in American Waters
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A bloody slab of Americana if there ever was one, Jaws is frequently cited as having been a major catalyst in inflaming public sentiment against sharks. Nonetheless, the United States is a world leader in the protection of shark fisheries, having passed the Shark Finning Prohibition Act in 2000 and the Shark Conservation Act in 2010. That legislation respectively established and strengthened prohibitions on the harvesting of sharks for their fins.
Even so, fishing regulations vary by state and region. Protections are far stronger for sharks cruising the Atlantic, thanks in large part to the Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plan instituted for the eastern seaboard, which outright prohibits the landing of 19 species.
great white shark
The great white (Carcharodon carcharias) has been protected in California waters since 1994 and in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
whale shark
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
basking shark
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
sand tiger shark
The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
sixgill shark
The sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
Atlantic angel shark
The Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumeril) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
night shark
The night shark (Carcharhinus signatus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
Caribbean reef shark
The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
bigeye thresher shark
The bigeye thresher shark (Alopias superciliosus) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
Galapagos shark
The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.