February 6, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:
More and more Hawaiʻi, Guam, American Samoa, and Mariana fishers are reporting the same frustrating story: sharks showing up on the grounds, taking fish off the line and biting into hard-earned catch. It’s not just lost fish — it’s lost time, lost fuel and lost opportunity, and it can make it harder to fish, support local livelihoods and feed our community.
To bring those experiences together with the latest information and practical tools, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and Pacific Islands Fisheries Group will host a community discussion and expert panel on shark depredation in Hawaiʻi waters and the Pacific. The public forum accompanies a two-day workshop on shark depredation and mitigation. Experts from all over the world, including scientists and shark deterrent manufacturers, are engaging with members of the fishing community and local agency staff to develop strategies to reduce the impact of shark depredation in U.S. Pacific Islands fisheries.
This forum is designed to be practical and fisher-focused. Participants will be able to share what they’re seeing on the water, hear from experts about current observations and impacts, and get clarity on existing regulations — including what fishers can and can’t do. The gathering will also highlight shark deterrent technologies and other ideas that may help reduce depredation and improve fishing success.
The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Input from fishers and community members will help shape next steps, including cooperative research priorities, outreach needs and future management considerations.
A summary of current research and research needs is available here and on our Hot Topics web page.
All fishers, scientists and community members are welcome! Event details are provided in the flyer below. For more information, please contact Mark Fitchett (mark.fitchett@wpcouncil.org) or Alex Min (pacificfisheries@gmail.com).