---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 665.811"
title: "50"
number: "665.811"
heading: "Handling and release of oceanic whitetip sharks."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/665.811"
---

# §665.811. Handling and release of oceanic whitetip sharks.

- (a) The owner and operator of a vessel registered for use under any longline permit issued under [§ 665.801](/cfr/50/665.801.md) must release any oceanic whitetip shark as soon as possible after the shark is caught and brought alongside the vessel, in accordance with [50 CFR 300.226](/cfr/50/300.226.md), and must take the following actions:
  - (1) Leave the animal in the water;
  - (2) Use a dehooker, as defined in [§ 665.812(a)(7)](/cfr/50/665.812.md?p=a-7), or line clippers, as defined in [§ 665.812(a)(5)](/cfr/50/665.812.md?p=a-5), to remove trailing gear from the animal.
  - (3) When using line clippers, the branch line must be cut as close to the hook as possible.
- (b) [Paragraph (a)](#a) of this section does not apply if doing so would compromise the safety of any persons or a WCPFC observer collects, or requests assistance collecting, samples of oceanic whitetip shark in the Convention Area, as defined in [§ 300.211](/cfr/50/300.211.md) of this title and in accordance with [50 CFR 300.226](/cfr/50/300.226.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[87 FR 25156, Apr. 28, 2022]

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

### Source

Source: 75 FR 2205, Jan. 14, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[87 FR 25156, Apr. 28, 2022]