Shortfin Mako regulations in New Jersey

Sharks · Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? Shortfin Mako is closed to harvest. Release it.

Shortfin Mako size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NJ marine waters	Closed to harvest	—	—

Notes

Shortfin mako must be released; zero possession in NJ.

Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording

Season: Possession prohibited
Size: None
Limit: 0 — zero allowed possession
NJ marine waters — as printed: “Shortfin mako: Zero allowed possession”

Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the shortfin mako

Species of shark

The shortfin mako shark, also known as the shortfin mako, blue pointer, or bonito shark, is a species of large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark. The fastest known shark species, able to reach speeds of 74 km/h (46 mph) in bursts, the shortfin mako can attain sizes of more than 4 m (13 ft) in length and weigh over 570 kg (1,260 lb). The species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Shortfin Mako in New Jersey?

No size limit in New Jersey state waters.

How many Shortfin Mako can you keep per day in New Jersey?

Possession prohibited.

When is Shortfin Mako season in New Jersey?

Open year-round.

Is my Shortfin Mako a keeper today?

Shortfin Mako is closed to harvest. Release it.