Welfare of Sharks in Aquaculture

As wild shark populations decline, shark aquaculture is growing — welfare standards are virtually absent.

Key Facts

Shark aquaculture produces species including bamboo sharks and catsharks for research and display
Sharks in captivity require specific space, water flow, and social conditions
Many shark species cannot be maintained in typical aquarium conditions without significant welfare compromise
Welfare standards for captive sharks barely exist even in research settings

Welfare Considerations

Shark aquaculture occupies a virtually unregulated welfare space. Sharks kept for research or public display face welfare challenges from inadequate space, inappropriate social conditions, and stress from unnatural environments. Species that swim continuously in the wild cannot be maintained in small tanks without welfare compromise. As shark aquaculture grows for potential food production, developing welfare frameworks before the industry scales is essential. The evidence for shark sentience makes this welfare gap genuinely concerning.

What You Can Do

Support welfare research for captive elasmobranchs
Advocate for welfare standards in shark aquaculture before the industry scales
Engage with aquariums about their shark welfare programs and space provisions
Support wild shark conservation to reduce pressure for aquaculture development