Henrico Times

Nov 3 2024

Congressman Rob Wittman’s bipartisan Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The act aims to address the increasing problem of shark depredation and improve the conditions for sharks.

Congressman Wittman, a lifelong fisherman and former marine scientist, expressed his personal experience with the impacts of shark depredation on the marine ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of conserving marine life and protecting sharks from unsafe conditions and food sources. Congressman Wittman urged his colleagues in the Senate to pass the legislation so that the president can sign it into law.

The bill was introduced by Congressman Garret Graves, Congressman Darren Soto, and Congressman Marc Veasey, and it passed the House Natural Resources Committee in September. Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Natural Resources Committee highlighted the significance of the bill in addressing the issue of shark depredation and expressed his support for Representative Wittman's efforts.

The SHARKED Act received unanimous support from the U.S. House of Representatives, demonstrating the broad support for the bill. Mike Leonard, vice president of government affairs at the American Sportfishing Association, emphasized the economic importance of saltwater recreational fishing, which contributes billions of dollars to the nation's economy and supports thousands of jobs. Leonard expressed gratitude to Representative Wittman, Congressman Soto, and the other bill sponsors for advancing the SHARKED Act, which seeks to find meaningful ways to mitigate the challenge of shark depredation.

The SHARKED Act is supported by several organizations, including the American Fisheries Society, American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, BoatUS, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Guy Harvey Foundation, International Game Fish Association, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The passage of the SHARKED Act in the U.S. House of Representatives marks an important step towards addressing the issue of shark depredation and protecting marine ecosystems. The bipartisan support for the legislation reflects the recognition of the economic and environmental significance of preserving marine life. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, where its passage would bring it closer to becoming law.