Shark species can be difficult to identify, but knowing how to do so is important for recreational fishermen who want to pursue sharks in the federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Starting Jan. 1, 2018, anglers in those waters who want to retain sharks they catch will need to add a valid shark endorsement to their Highly Migratory Species permit.
NOAA Fisheries said there are 21 species of sharks — dusky sharks, for example — that anglers cannot keep. “If you don’t know, let it go,” is the standard advice.
This NOAA Fisheries video has more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5jXRRrjEj8
Be sure you check out NOAA Fisheries’ Shark Identification Guide. It’s useful to print and keep in your boat.
