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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BN46 Publication ID: Spring 2025 
Title: ●Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Addition of Carolina Hammerhead Sharks to the Fishery Management Unit 
Abstract:

The National Marine Fisheries Service, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, is responsible for managing Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, id. 971 et seq., the implementing statute for binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. This action recognizes that the overall management of the scalloped hammerhead shark ( Sphyrna lewini ), which is in the fishery management unit described in the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan, its amendments, and its implementing regulations, applies to the Carolina hammerhead shark ( Sphyrna gilberti ). The Carolina hammerhead shark was identified through genetic research and previously thought to be the same species as the scalloped hammerhead shark. As the two species are visually indistinguishable without vertebra dissection, they have effectively been, and will continue to be, managed the same. To ensure clarity in the regulations, this action will also add the Carolina hammerhead shark to the HMS fishery management unit and regulations applicable to the scalloped hammerhead shark. This action is relevant to the commercial and recreational shark fisheries throughout the entire range of the fisheries (Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean Sea). However, there will be no practical effect on the regulated community, as Carolina hammerhead shark is already effectively being managed as scalloped hammerhead shark. In 2021, the commercial large coastal shark fisheries that include hammerhead sharks had ex-vessel revenues of approximately $1 million. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under section 304(g)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1854(g)(1).

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Final Action  07/00/2025 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: State 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Kelly Denit
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362,
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Phone:301 427-8500
Email: kelly.denit@noaa.gov