Current Situation
Greenland sharks are native to the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They grow extremely slowly (approximately 1 cm per year), reach sexual maturity at approximately 150 years, and radiocarbon dating studies have estimated lifespans of 272-512 years for the largest individuals. These extraordinary lifespans mean that Greenland sharks alive today may have been born before the American Revolution. The welfare of such long-lived, slow-maturing animals deserves particular consideration—each individual represents an irreplaceable investment of centuries of life. Greenland sharks are slow-moving apex predators and scavengers. They consume fish, seals, and carrion, and have been found with remarkable prey items including polar bear, reindeer, and even horse in their stomachs (likely scavenged). Their olfactory system is highly developed for detecting carrion under ice. Bycatch in bottom trawls and longlines is a significant welfare and conservation concern. Greenland sharks are caught as bycatch by fisheries targeting Greenland halibut and other commercial species in Norwegian, Icelandic, and Canadian waters. Due to their slow reproduction, bycatch mortality could have significant population effects over time. When caught, Greenland sharks face welfare challenges from decompression if brought to the surface from depth. Post-release survival of Greenland sharks has been studied, with evidence suggesting that properly handled fish can survive release. Fermented Greenland shark (hákarl) is a traditional Icelandic food made by burying and fermenting shark flesh—the fermentation renders the flesh safe by reducing high urea concentrations. The harvest method and welfare implications for caught sharks deserve attention given the species' conservation status.
Key Welfare Issues
Animal welfare in this context reflects complex intersections of cultural tradition, ecological conditions, institutional capacity, and scientific understanding. Evidence-based approaches that engage local knowledge while drawing on international welfare science provide pathways toward genuine improvement.
Pathways Forward
Progress requires investment in research, community engagement, legislative development, and international cooperation. Building understanding across cultural contexts while maintaining evidence-based welfare standards is essential for sustainable improvement.
Further Reading
Resources from the World Organisation for Animal Health, International Whaling Commission, and welfare science journals provide evidence-based guidance for practitioners.