Marine Animals

Wild Hammerhead Shark Fin Welfare

Hammerhead sharks are among the most heavily targeted species for the shark fin trade, with finning causing extreme suffering before death.

Key Facts

Hammerhead shark populations have declined by 80-90% in some regions
Sharks are often finned alive and returned to the sea unable to swim
The scalloped hammerhead is listed as Critically Endangered
Some countries have banned shark finning but enforcement is inconsistent

Welfare Considerations

Finning sharks while alive and discarding them to drown is an extreme welfare abuse that is illegal in many jurisdictions but continues. Drowning from inability to swim and gill ventilate is a distressing death. Population collapse from the fin trade eliminates entire social groups.

What You Can Do

Never consume shark fin soup or products containing shark fin
Support shark finning ban legislation and enforcement
Choose seafood restaurants that do not serve shark fin products
Advocate for shark fin import bans in consumer countries