Shark

Shark

There are several species of shark found in the marketplace in North America. Sharks are usually poorly managed with insufficient information on the stock status of most species to undertake a detailed species specific assessment. For that reason, sharks are presented as an aggregate group combining the general state of knowledge of commercial shark species. Where information is available, it appears that sharks have declined significantly in abundance. All sharks fall into either yellow “some concerns” or red “avoid” categories.

Spiny dogfish, is one species that is relatively well understood on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.

Sharks produce a relatively small number of young. Life history traits vary between species. In general, smaller-sized species tend to mature earlier, have shorter life-spans, and have high intrinsic rates of increase than larger species. Slow-growing, late to mature, medium to large coastal species have the least ability to recover from fishing pressure. These life history traits dictate the different listing for the 26 species assessed. Overall, all sharks have either a moderate or high inherent vulnerability rating. See full report for individual species.

Recent studies have documented dramatic declines in several shark populations, including US stocks of large coastal and pelagic sharks. Stock status varies greatly between species and regions. Of the eleven large and small coastal, and prohibited Atlantic sharks under management, nine are overfished with overfishing still occurring. This is complicated by the fact that sharks are not identified to species level and most identifying characteristics are removed before the sharks are landed. Misidentification could easily result in an underestimate of fishing mortality of prohibited species or those in poor condition, and incorrect labelling of a seafood product on the market. Overall, the stock status of most sharks available in the marketplace is a high conservation concern.

Bycatch from shark fisheries varies regionally and with gear type but is typically a moderate to high conservation concern.

Sharks are caught by a variety of fishing gears. Pelagic longlines and drift gillnets have no impact to the seafloor. Bottom longlines and bottom gillnets are considered of “moderate” concern especially if deployed around coral reefs, and other complex habitats. Bottom longlines can also be dragged along the seafloor for considerable distances before being hauled up causing moderate damage. Some sharks can be captured by bottom trawling gear which is considered a high conservation concern.

Management effectiveness is complicated by the need for comprehensive and compatible plans for fisheries operating in both states and federal waters and internationally where stocks are shared by more than one country. Management effectiveness varies greatly from “moderately effective” to “critically ineffective” by country and species. Overall, the management of sharks is a high conservation concern.

Where and how is the shark caught?

There is no “best choice” for sharks, consumption of all species should be avoided.

Consumption advisory due to mercury.

No.