North Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark
Stock Status and Situation

NOAA Fisheries Service Highly Migratory Species Management Division manages shortfin mako sharks domestically, but the United States also works with Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), worldwide to manage shortfin mako sharks.

The North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock is assessed by ICCAT's Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS). The most recent SCRS assessment of the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock took place in 2008. According to the stock assessment, Atlantic shortfin mako biomass estimates range from 95% to 165% of target levels, meaning the stock is currently not considered overfished. Assessment models also estimated that fishing pressure on the stock ranged from 48% to 377% of target levels, which may indicate that overfishing is occurring on the stock. Therefore, NMFS determined that the shortfin mako shark stock is experiencing overfishing and is approaching an overfished condition.

Annual commercial landings of North Atlantic shortfin mako shark have averaged approximately 3,314 metric tons whole weight from 1997-2008. During that time period the United States contributed approximately 9% of those landings (see ICCAT landings table, 2010 SAFE Report Recreational Landings Table, 2010 SAFE Report Commercial Landings Table).

Amendment 3 to the HMS Fishery Management Plan was finalized in June 2010. It contains commercial and recreational management measures that address overfishing of the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock. NMFS decided to continue to work on an international level to end overfishing of shortfin mako sharks. Also, NMFS decided to promote the live release of shortfin mako sharks on a domestic level to help mitigate the effects of overfishing on the stock.

While there is no new legal requirement for shortfin mako sharks, NMFS is asking for your help. You can help fight overfishing on the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock by releasing shortfin mako sharks that are caught alive and in good condition. Especially important is releasing sharks that are sexually immature and haven't had the chance to reproduce and contribute to the population. Just because a shark is of legal size does not mean that it is sexually mature. Please go to the main page and click the What's Legal tab for more information.