5/ 11/2026
By Stevie Gordon, PADI Divemaster; Shark Stewards Representative
As someone who spends countless hours beneath Florida’s blue waters, I see sharks not as the villains they’re so often portrayed to be, but as neighbors who graciously allow us into their home. I mean think about that for a moment- as divers, we literally jump off the boat and straight through their roof (but, I digress). Yet despite this proximity, our relationship with sharks remains deeply misunderstood.
A new federal proposal- the SHARKED Act (short for Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue)– would direct NOAA to create a national task force to study “shark depredation,” the term used when sharks take fish off of fishing lines. This issue has drawn attention and emotion from all sides, but any effective solution must begin with facts- not fear.
Scientists like Dr. Matt Ajemian at FAU’s Harbor Branch are already examining these interactions to determine which shark species are involved, where, and under what conditions. Additionally, citizen scientists (such as my community of dive operators and recreational divers) document shark behavior every day- underwater photos, videos, and logbooks could help fill in some of the data gaps that currently make this issue largely anecdotal.
That is why it’s essential that independent marine scientists have a seat at the table as this task force takes shape. Without them, we risk crafting policies based on frustration instead of actual science. Researchers bring the long-term data and analytical tools needed to measure both ecological impacts and the success of mitigation strategies. They also ensure that management actions stay aligned with decades of established conservation work.
And the stakes are high. Global shark populations have declined by more than 70% in the last 50 years, according to a landmark 2021 study in Nature. Overfishing and habitat loss have pushed more than one-third of all shark and ray species toward extinction. Sharks are not just apex predators, they are ecosystem architects. By regulating prey populations and maintaining the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, they help sustain the very fisheries and tourism industries that fuel Florida’s coastal economy. Without sharks, marine ecosystems unravel.
Before we point fingers at fishermen or sharks, let’s ask: How widespread is the problem? Which species are most often involved? What non-lethal solutions actually work? The answers will come from collaboration- anglers, scientists, regulators, and the dive community all working side by side.
Practical steps like improved reporting, targeted research, and public education will protect both fish stocks and sharks alike. The SHARKED Act can fund these solutions, but only if the task force includes independent scientists and conservation voices alongside fishing interests. That balance is what will keep both people and ecosystems healthy.
I invite local diving and fishing groups to come together, share data, and discuss non-lethal mitigation measures in our waters. If we lead with facts and collaboration, Florida can become a national model for coexistence- where both anglers and sharks get to keep their livelihoods: a healthy, balanced ocean.