H.R. 207 — Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025

This section directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a shark depredation task force (i.e., sharks consuming targeted catch from fishing gear) with specified members, including representatives from each regional fishery management council, marine fisheries commission, coastal state fish and wildlife agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and experts in highly migratory species, shark management and behavior, and shark ecology. The task force must (1) improve coordination between fisheries managers and shark researchers; (2) identify research priorities and funding opportunities, including shark species identification, stock assessments, habituation to humans, angler behavior influences, non-lethal deterrents, shark roles in food webs, and climate change effects; (3) develop management strategies; and (4) create educational materials for fishers. The task force must report to Congress within two years of establishment and biennially thereafter until its termination seven years after establishment. This section also amends MSA section 318(c) (16 U.S.C. 1867(c)) to authorize research projects on shark depredation causes and mitigation and clarifies that it does not affect the Secretary's authorities under the Endangered Species Act or MSA.