For years, fishermen in California have illegally targeted white sharks by exploiting loopholes in state laws. CA Fish & Game Commission has proposed long-needed restrictions on the leaders and hooks used to target large sharks, as well as illegalizing the removal of white sharks from the water.

On July 3rd, CDFW finalized emergency prohibitions on wire leaders and hooks over 1.5″ for the El Niño heatwaves predicted to bring white sharks closer to California shores, in the context of widespread poaching incidents. After a 180 day period, CDFW will have the option to extend these regulations. Sign the petition now to make the regulations permanent.