Maine state waters, out to 3 miles
Dusky shark is on the Chapter 50 coastal sharks list; take prohibited in Maine territorial waters and federally.
ME DMR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Sandbar sharkMuch taller, forward-set first dorsal. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Low, sloping first dorsal set behind the pectorals; slender body; faint ridge between dorsals. More on the dusky shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep dusky shark in Maine?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Maine. Release it in the water where you can. Dusky shark is on the Chapter 50 coastal sharks list; take prohibited in Maine territorial waters and federally.
How current is this Maine dusky shark rule?
Source: ME DMR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a dusky shark in Maine and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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