The purpose of this rule amendment is to protect great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks in state waters of Florida by prohibiting the commercial and recreational harvest of these species. Scalloped, smooth and great hammerhead sharks and tiger sharks have all experienced population declines of at least fifty percent. Research has demonstrated benefits to protecting shark populations in Florida state waters. Critical nursery habitat is often found in shallow state waters and much of Florida’s coastal waters have been identified as Essential Fish Habitat for many species of sharks; this means that the habitat in Florida waters is necessary for the sharks to carry out their life cycle. Further, pregnant sharks enter state waters to pup at known times of year and often in known locations. The effect of this rule would be to protect these four species of sharks by not allowing their harvest by commercial or recreational anglers.