The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has projected that the landings for the commercial porbeagle shark fishery have exceeded 80% of the available quota, prompting closure of the fishery in federal waters. The Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic Coastal Sharks requires states to close their state waters fisheries when NMFS enacts a federal waters closure. Therefore, pursuant to 322 CMR 6.37(3)2b, effective immediately, it is unlawful to possess or land porbeagle shark for commercial purposes in Massachusetts. The fishery will reopen when NMFS reopens federal waters for commercial fishing.

For further information regarding coastal shark management, please visit the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission website (www.asmfc.org) and the Massachusetts MarineFisheries website (www.mass.gov/marinefisheries).