California Department of Fish and Wildlife Recommends Listing Northeastern Pacific Population of White Sharks as Endangered or Threatened Under California Endangered Species Act

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) has determined (pdf) that there is sufficient scientific information to petition to list the Northeastern Pacific (NEP) population of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act.  Currently, the take and possession of white sharks is protected from sport and commercial fishing activities, with limited exceptions, under existing laws.  However, the scientific information in the petition demonstrates that the species may benefit from additional regulation.  If the petition is accepted by the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) for consideration, the Commission will initiate a year-long scientific-based review of the species to determine whether or not listing is warranted.