Wildlife

Mako Shark Welfare in Fisheries

Shortfin mako sharks are overfished and face significant welfare concerns in longline fisheries where they are frequently caught as bycatch.

Key Facts

Shortfin mako are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List
They are frequently caught on Atlantic longline tuna and swordfish lines
Makos are obligate ram ventilators that suffocate when restrained on lines
High post-release mortality even for live-released individuals limits the value of discarding

Welfare Considerations

Mako sharks hooked on longlines cannot ventilate their gills through ram ventilation while restrained, causing progressive asphyxiation over hours. Those hauled aboard alive are severely compromised with high post-release mortality. As obligate ram ventilators, their welfare during longline capture is especially poor. Fishing gear modifications including circle hooks and deeper line setting reduce encounter rates.

What You Can Do

Support mako shark protection measures in Atlantic fisheries
Choose longline tuna and swordfish from fisheries with shark bycatch mitigation
Advocate for mako shark landing bans as a conservation and welfare measure
Donate to shark conservation organizations working on bycatch reduction