June 25, 2026
On June 17, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to approve an emergency regulation to strengthening restrictions on fishing gear, in order to improve public safety and prevent fishers from illegally targeting white sharks near California beaches and piers. Shark Stewards has documented fishermen illegally targeting more than 30 large sharks in Southern California. The gear changes — which are supported by scientists and several fishing groups — will also help reduce the risk to the public at a time when warmer sea surface temperatures are raising concerns around increased shark-human encounters in California waters.
Responding to complaints of transparency the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) is reviewing the emergency regulations with a 5 day comment period ending July 1.
Inaccurate instagrams and an erroneous editorial in Western Outdoor News, caused the OAL to open up a 5 day public comment period on the emergency shark fishing regulations. Add your voice for shark and people protection.
Direct comments on 2026-0626-01E Recreational Gear Restrictions for White Shark Title 14, Amending Sections: 28.06, 28.65 can be made to Jenn Bacon can be made Ph: (916) 902-9285 Email: jennifer.bacon@fgc.ca.gov.
The commission did not adopt our recommendations to ban the use of chum and live bait to attract sharks, or the use of drones to transport bait to deeper waters. While this will ease enforcement by the California Department of Fish and Game for fishers targeting sharks and will reduce white shark catch, it will not add the protection needed for sharks and people. Shark Stewards will be monitoring the interactions through the emergency period and urge the Fish and Game Commission to make the regulation amendments permanent and add the additional regulations recommended in our letter and at the Commission meeting.
Learn about white shark science and how to coexist with white sharks at our event September 5 in Long Beach CA. Dr. Chris Lowe of CSULB Shark lab, Carlos Guana Malibu Artist, Shark Conservationists and biologists Carmen Koepfer and David McGuire, and white shark survivor Maria Korcmaros.
Join shark specialists and marine artists to raise funds to benefit shark conservation. Enjoy a film screening, a panel of shark experts and a silent auction of marine art created by local artists.
Auction is Now Live Online- Bid Early!
Snacks and drinks will be available.
Learn about great white sharks, shark attacks and shark conservation in California.
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 3:00- 6:30 pm
Sports Basement Long Beach – Flight Deck- Third Floor
2100 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815