Sharks are caught as bycatch in millions of trawl and longline fishing operations, causing significant mortality and welfare harm.
Sharks caught on longlines experience prolonged stress and asphyxiation over hours on the line. Non-obligate ram ventilators suffocate when immobilized on hooks. Those brought aboard alive are often thrown back in poor condition with high post-release mortality. Circle hooks and other mitigation measures reduce incidental capture and improve release survival.