50 CFR § 300.230 - Shark handling and release.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t50/s300.230"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "50 CFR § 300.230 - Shark handling and release."
title_number: 50
title_name: "Wildlife and Fisheries"
section_number: "300.230"
section_name: "Shark handling and release."
chapter_name: "INTERNATIONAL FISHING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES"
part_number: "300"
part_name: "INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "16 U.S.C. 951  16 U.S.C. 1801  16 U.S.C. 5501  16 U.S.C. 2431  31 U.S.C. 9701"
regulatory_source: "61 FR 35550, July 5, 1996, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "300"
---


# 300.230 Shark handling and release.

(a) The requirements of paragraph (b) of this section apply to all fishing vessels of the United States used for commercial fishing for HMS. The requirements apply in all exclusive economic zones and all areas of high seas in the Convention Area, excluding the Overlap Area. The requirements apply only if there is a WCPFC observer or camera monitoring device on board the fishing vessel.

(b) Prior to releasing any shark that is caught during fishing operations and not brought on board the fishing vessel, the owner and operator, without compromising the safety of any persons, shall ensure that the shark is brought alongside the vessel for identification purposes.

[88 FR 30679, May 12, 2023]