Maryland Designated Official State Shark
Maryland has become the first state in the U.S. to officially recognize an extinct shark species.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Aquariums
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The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to name the Otodus megalodon as the official state shark. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law to honor the state's marine heritage.
Why it matters
This designation celebrates Maryland's rich paleontological history while providing new opportunities for public education regarding ancient marine life. The initiative highlights the prevalence of megalodon fossils found within the Chesapeake Bay region.
Admission for adults at the Calvert Marine Museum, Maryland's State Paleontology Center, is $11, with discounted rates of $9 for seniors and military personnel. Admission for children aged 5 to 12 is $6, and the museum can be reached at 410-326-2042.
The players
Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland who signed the legislation into law.
Jack Bailey
Jack Bailey is a Maryland State Senator who sponsored the bill to designate the shark.
Todd Morgan
Todd Morgan is a Maryland Delegate who sponsored the legislation to name the state shark.
Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum is the designated State Paleontology Center located in Solomons, Maryland.
The details
The legislative move was sponsored by Senator Jack Bailey and Delegate Todd Morgan to recognize the giant extinct shark. The initiative was driven by the Calvert Marine Museum, which preserves and displays local fossils found in the area.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The legislation designating the megalodon as the state shark took effect.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a growing trend of states utilizing official symbols to promote regional paleontological tourism and scientific education. It mirrors the broader effort to preserve local history by highlighting geological artifacts that distinguish the Chesapeake Bay's unique heritage.
Residents can now explore the history of the official state shark at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. This designation creates new educational touchpoints for families and students interested in the prehistoric life of the Chesapeake Bay.
The takeaway
The official recognition of the megalodon serves as a reminder that the Chesapeake Bay contains significant fossil evidence of Earth's ancient past. Visitors to Maryland are encouraged to visit regional paleontology centers to better understand the largest shark to have ever lived.
Further reading
Learn more about the marine history of the region on the Aquariums section of our site.
More information
For more information on museum exhibits, visit the Calvert Marine Museum website.
Live Poll
Do you support your state government creating symbolic designations like an official state shark?
