Fishermen, Scientists Unite to Tackle Shark Depredation

Stakeholders from across the Pacific Islands gather to address growing issue of sharks damaging fishing gear and catch

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, hosted the region's first shark depredation workshop in February 2026 to address the issue and develop mitigation strategies for U.S. Pacific Island fisheries. Fifty-two participants from four countries and all three U.S. Pacific Island territories attended the event, where fishermen shared firsthand accounts of the growing economic and operational burden caused by shark interactions, and scientists, managers, and technology developers discussed potential solutions.

Why it matters

Shark depredation, where sharks damage fishing gear and catch, has become an increasingly significant problem for fishermen across the Pacific Islands region. Fishermen have reported losing up to 50% of their catch in certain instances, along with growing 'operational fatigue' from repeated shark encounters. This issue threatens the livelihoods of commercial, noncommercial, and subsistence fisheries in the region.

The details

The workshop reviewed trends in shark interactions, the effectiveness and limitations of commercially available deterrent technologies, and the complex regulatory landscape governing shark interactions. Breakout sessions and an evening forum brought fishermen, scientists, managers and technology developers together to identify cost-effective fishing adaptations, priority research gaps and governance challenges linked to environmental change. Fishermen discussed on-the-water strategies to reduce depredation, such as moving spots frequently, avoiding chumming or cleaning fish on the grounds, and using high-speed electric reels. Technology discussions included magnetic and electrical devices, as well as chemical repellents, with participants weighing cost, durability and species-specific performance.

  • The workshop was held on February 10-11, 2026.
  • The Council will hear a report on the workshop outcomes at its 206th meeting on March 24-26, 2026.

The players

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

A regional fishery management council that oversees fisheries in the U.S. Pacific Islands region.

Pacific Islands Fisheries Group

A partnership organization that works with Pacific Island fishermen and communities.

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What’s next

Participants urged the agencies, universities and community organizations to identify a lead entity to champion this issue and to convene a follow-up workshop within 6–12 months to review progress and share results from on-the-water deterrent trials.

The takeaway

This workshop highlights the growing challenge of shark depredation for fishermen across the Pacific Islands region, and the need for collaborative solutions involving fishermen, scientists, managers, and technology developers to address the economic, operational, and safety impacts on commercial, noncommercial, and subsistence fisheries.