Recreational Shark Fishing Survey

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking information on recreational shark fishing in the state. There are eight common species of sharks in Maine waters. DMR studies these fish through the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Research. These HMS species are managed by NOAA Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the state.

In 2025, DMR held public meetings to discuss ongoing shark research and shark fishing in Maine. One key takeaway from these meetings was the DMR recognizing the need to better characterize the recreational community that pursues sharks. The public in attendance also highlighted a similar need and recommended, prior to considering any action related to shark fishing in Maine, the DMR expand research and seek public participation to inform decision making.

The first step to DMR engaging with stakeholders is to understand the current fishery. Responses to this confidential survey will help DMR develop outreach and target areas of the state most beneficial for future meetings and collaborative research. Your participation in this survey will characterize a seldom highlighted Maine fishery. The DMR appreciates your time in answering this survey to inform what the recreational shark fishery looks like in Maine. If you have questions about this survey, contact Corrin Flora at corrin.flora@maine.gov or 207-446-8126.

1. When recreationally fishing in Maine waters, do you occasionally target sharks as your priority species? If you answer No, go to question 17. If you answer Yes, continue the survey.
2. In 2025, how many days did you actively recreationally fish for sharks?
3. What month(s) do you recreationally fish for sharks? *choose all that apply
4. Which of the following platforms do you use when fishing for sharks? *choose all that apply
5. In what region of the state do you fish for sharks? *choose all that apply
6. What time of day do you fish for sharks? *choose all that apply
7. During a single trip, how long do you typically spend actively fishing for sharks?
8. What bait do you use when targeting sharks? *choose all that apply
9. Do you use alternative means to cast bait when targeting sharks? *choose all that apply
10. Do you chum when recreationally fishing for sharks? *choose all that apply
11. What species of shark(s) do you target? *choose all that apply
12. Do you practice catch and release only?
13. What training have you completed for shark fishing? *choose all that apply
14. How do you stay informed on shark regulation changes? *choose all that apply
15. Do you want the DMR involved in shark management? *choose all that apply
16. Are you aware of the NOAA Cooperative Shark Tagging Program?