Recreational anglers now required to have shark endorsement

BILOXI, Miss. – Recreational anglers who fish in federal waters now must have a shark endorsement in order to retain sharks.

The endorsement is part of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species permit currently required by NOAA.

The HMS permit is available online, and anglers who want to fish for sharks in federal waters must pass a shark identification quiz to get the required endorsement.

The HMS permit costs $20, and it is valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 of each year. To apply for the permit and the endorsement, go to https://hmspermits.noaa.gov.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.