Comment from Hanono, Jennifer

As someone who deeply cares about the health of our oceans, I strongly oppose any increase in catch limits for Atlantic shark species. I urge NOAA to support Alternative D1 and maintain existing recreational retention limits rather than implementing flexible retention measures that could significantly increase shark mortality. Many of the shark populations being considered for increased catch limits have never been formally assessed by NOAA, making it impossible to accurately understand the impact of additional fishing pressure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the shark species currently permitted for take in the Atlantic are recognized as threatened on the IUCN Red List. I also oppose increasing commercial catch limits for blacknose sharks and urge NOAA to support Alternative C1, which would maintain current limits. Available stock assessments show that blacknose sharks remain heavily depleted and are only beginning to recover after years of population decline. Sharks play a critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, and rebuilding depleted populations is a long-term process that can take decades. Recovery efforts are only just beginning. I encourage NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries Service to pursue solutions to fishery conflicts that do not undermine existing rebuilding plans. Any management decisions should also consider the growing pressure from recreational fishing and the ongoing depletion of sharks’ natural prey. Protecting sharks is essential to the long-term health, resilience, and balance of our ocean ecosystems.