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White Shark

Conservation

White sharks are not designated as a federal endangered or threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act; however they are listed under Appendix II of the external linkConvention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Species listed in external link Appendix II of CITES are those species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade in these species is not regulated. White sharks are listed on the external linkInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, as Vulnerable.

White sharks are federally managed under the external link Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 1801-1883). Within the external linkExclusive Economic Zone (12–200 nautical miles from shore) offshore the California, Oregon and Washington, white shark management requirements are specified in the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, which prohibits the commercial fishing of white sharks. If fishers catch a white shark, it must be released immediately unless other provisions for their disposition are established, such as for scientific study (Pacific Fishery Management Council, 2007).

Protected in California
White sharks have been protected in California waters since January 1994. external linkTitle 14, California Code of Regulations, Fish and Game Code Section 28.06 states that white sharks may not be taken.

Threats
Most shark species are slow to reach reproductive maturity and produce only a small number of young each year, making them highly susceptible to the threats of fishing and other human activities. According to the external link International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), 32% of pelagic sharks and rays are threatened with extinction (critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable); 24% are near threatened; 19% are of least concern and 25% are data deficient. external linkRead more information on NOAA shark management and conservation.

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