US HB207

Secretary of Commerce must establish a task force to identify and address critical needs related to shark depredation (sharks consuming or damaging fish caught by anglers)

Task force membership includes representatives from each Regional Fishery Management Council, Marine Fisheries Commissions, coastal state fish and wildlife agencies, National Marine Fisheries Service, and researchers with expertise in shark management, behavior, and ecology

Task force responsibilities include improving coordination between fisheries and shark research communities, identifying research priorities on shark species interactions, stock assessments, non-lethal deterrents, and climate change impacts on shark populations

Reports to Congress required every 2 years starting within 2 years of enactment; task force terminates 7 years after establishment

Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add shark depredation research projects as an authorized activity under Section 318(c)