Solomons, Md. — The Maryland General Assembly approved legislation late Monday evening designating the extinct Otodus megalodon as the state’s official shark, making Maryland the first in the nation to recognize an official state shark.
Lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Delegates passed the measure on April 13, 2026, during the final hours of the 2026 legislative session. The bill, which originated as Senate Bill 135 sponsored by Sen. Jack Bailey and House Bill 97 sponsored by Del. Todd Morgan, was added as an amendment to another measure before final approval.
Megalodon, known as the largest shark to have ever lived and reaching lengths of nearly 80 feet, is closely tied to Maryland’s geologic record. Fossilized teeth from the species have been discovered in at least seven Maryland counties, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s. The ancient predator inhabited the Atlantic Ocean waters that once covered eastern Maryland for more than 10 million years.
The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, designated as Maryland’s State Paleontology Center, houses over 1,700 fossilized megalodon teeth, including the only associated dentition of more than 50 teeth from a single individual ever found in the state. Museum officials highlighted the designation as a way to underscore the region’s rich paleontological heritage and promote education on prehistoric marine ecosystems, shark conservation and Earth’s history.
“With this designation, Maryland becomes the first state in the nation to recognize an official State Shark,” according to a statement from the Calvert Marine Museum. “Megalodon, an extinct species known primarily through its fossilized teeth, is closely associated with Maryland’s geologic record. These fossils are found in the Chesapeake Bay region, offering important insight into the area’s prehistoric marine ecosystems.”
Although the species disappeared millions of years ago, the designation emphasizes the ongoing ecological importance of sharks in ocean systems. It also creates opportunities for public education about marine life and conservation in Southern Maryland, where fossil hunting along Calvert Cliffs draws visitors and researchers year-round.
The museum extended appreciation to Sen. Jack Bailey, Del. Todd Morgan and their staffs for sponsoring the legislation, along with the many individuals and organizations that provided support.
The bill is expected to take effect Oct. 1, 2026, pending any further action. It was one of several commemorative measures passed in the session’s closing days, including designations related to the Natural History Society of Maryland and Purple Lights Night.
Southern Maryland’s connection to megalodon runs deep, with Calvert Cliffs serving as one of the premier sites for finding large fossil teeth. The Calvert Marine Museum regularly features exhibits on ancient sharks and supports research that connects prehistoric findings to modern marine science. Local educators and tourism leaders see potential for the new state symbol to boost interest in paleontology programs, school field trips and family activities centered on the Chesapeake Bay’s natural history.
This move positions Maryland as a leader in recognizing paleontological significance through official symbols, joining other states that have designated fossils or extinct species to highlight unique geologic features. In Calvert County, where the museum anchors educational efforts, the designation aligns with ongoing initiatives to preserve fossil sites and promote STEM learning.
Residents and visitors can explore megalodon fossils at the Calvert Marine Museum, which offers exhibits, guided tours and public programs focused on the region’s ancient marine past. The museum’s collections provide tangible links to the time when megalodon dominated the seas, reminding Marylanders of the dynamic environmental changes that shaped the Chesapeake region.
The approval caps months of advocacy by paleontologists and museum staff who argued that choosing the iconic megalodon would celebrate Maryland’s fossil wealth while reminding the public of the vital role sharks play in both past and present ecosystems.
