Many sharks are killed accidentally or deliberately as a result of fishing. Sometimes, they die after being caught in nets or on hooks designed for other species like tunas. In other cases, they are caught specifically for their valuable fins (“shark finning”). Many of the animals killed are endangered species and there has been a lot of pressure on governments to tackle these practices. National and international management measures have increased tenfold in number since 2000. But is this increased regulation working? The authors of this study looked at global data on shark deaths between 2012 and 2019 and interviewed experts to fill in the gaps.

Fishing is usually regulated by two kinds of authority. National governments can directly control fishing in national coastal waters, where most sharks are caught. But to manage fish stocks further afield, governments cooperate with each other through regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs). In both cases, fishing boats are subject to rules that are enforced. Non-profit organizations also play a role via voluntary eco-certification labels that aim to improve fishing standards and sustainability.

Shark Mortality

Global shark deaths have increased, especially in national coastal waters, from at least 76 to 80 million sharks — roughly 25 million of whom were threatened species. However, shark deaths have declined in open waters managed by tuna-fishing RFMOs, where “sustainable fishing” certification is important.

The authors warn that this is likely an underestimate, as nearly a quarter of the annual catch from national waters isn’t reported at the species level and therefore couldn’t be included in the analysis — meaning that global shark mortality could be closer to 101 million sharks.

Regulatory Efforts

Efforts to reduce shark deaths have mostly targeted finning instead of all fishing. To make the most money, fishing boats usually cut the fins off sharks before throwing the dying fishes back into the sea. Instead, authorities force fishing boats to keep the whole shark carcass so they can’t kill as many before having to come back to land.

However, fishing boats bringing back whole sharks have created demand for shark meat in many places. As the authors point out, this has likely increased shark fishing instead of reducing it. Of the six countries that account for half of all shark deaths, four (Indonesia, Brazil, Mauritania, and Mexico) are either major international suppliers or domestic consumers of shark meat.

Twenty-nine jurisdictions have introduced measures to prevent all shark fishing. These are typically small island nations which have created protected areas or “shark sanctuaries” where fishing is banned. Countries like the Bahamas and Maldives have kept shark populations healthy and this has resulted in increased tourism from divers. This success is linked with democratic accountability, and some countries have struggled to benefit from similar attempts. The authors found that only shark fishing bans and accountable governance were associated with reductions in shark deaths.

Expert Opinions

The interviewed experts, who included shark science, conservation, fishery, and industry professionals, had observed reductions in shark finning since 2000. They thought that regulation, public pressure, and demand for “sustainable seafood” were the strongest causes of this. However, they believed that deaths hadn’t decreased because of new demand for non-fin products such as shark meat and oil. Many also perceived that fisheries are now catching smaller sharks, including juveniles, because of declines in the fin trade, regional declines in the abundance of large sharks, and increasing demand for shark meat.

Overall, the experts suggested that we need better data collection, fishery management, and legal enforcement to see fewer shark deaths. They also warned that efforts might fail without talking to coastal communities where shark meat contributes to local food security.

Takeaways

Although many regulations have been introduced, shark deaths continue to rise globally. Measures to prevent shark finning might have increased shark deaths in lots of cases by creating consumer demand for shark meat. Advocates should be aware of the potentially negative long-term consequences of some regulation.

Public pressure through campaigns and demand for better products can often have more positive effects. Advocates should emphasize that only banning shark fishing and strong accountability are shown to decrease shark deaths. We should learn from smaller countries that have done this effectively to make change in other places.

Poor data collection and enforcement have made regulations less effective. Advocates should demand transparent data and strong enforcement from governments, not just more legislation. With strong action, a better world for sharks and other fishes is possible.