Sharks in aquariums and research settings have specific welfare needs that are increasingly understood - appropriate tank design and handling protocols improve welfare outcomes.
Shark aquarium welfare requires species-specific understanding of respiratory and behavioural requirements. Great white sharks cannot be kept in captivity - the welfare compromise of tank confinement for obligate open-water swimmers is prohibitive. Species that can be accommodated include nurse sharks, sand tigers, zebra sharks and various smaller species, given appropriate tank design. Tank size, water quality, social management and feeding enrichment determine welfare quality. Research handling welfare requires rapid procedures, appropriate anaesthesia for invasive sampling and monitoring of recovery from capture stress. Public aquariums housing sharks have a responsibility to demonstrate that their welfare standards justify keeping these animals.