Aquatic Animals

Shark Welfare and Long-Line Bycatch

Sharks are killed in vast numbers as bycatch in tuna and swordfish longline fisheries, causing significant welfare harm while threatening population viability.

Key Facts

An estimated 73 million sharks are killed annually predominantly for fins
Longline bycatch is a major source of shark mortality across all species
Sharks are apex predators whose removal causes ecosystem disruption
Blue sharks and oceanic whitetips are among the most commonly bycaught species
CITES Appendix II protections now cover many commercially valuable shark species

Welfare Considerations

Sharks caught on longlines may spend hours alive on the hook before dying from exhaustion, injury, or predation. Fin removal while alive is practiced in some fisheries causing prolonged suffering. Bycatch mitigation measures including modified hooks, branch line changes, and shortened soak times can reduce shark bycatch rates significantly. Consumer pressure for sustainable tuna and swordfish drives adoption of shark-friendly fishing practices.

What You Can Do

Choose MSC-certified tuna and swordfish that requires shark bycatch mitigation
Support campaigns against shark finning and fin trade
Avoid shark fin soup and products containing shark-derived ingredients
Advocate for expanded CITES protection for commercially traded shark species
Support shark monitoring programmes to assess population trends