Shark Welfare in Fisheries | Animal Welfare Hub

Sharks caught as target species or bycatch face acute welfare costs. Understanding shark fisheries welfare drives better management approaches.

Key Facts

Over 100 million sharks are killed annually in commercial fisheries globally
Shark finning - removing fins and discarding live animals - causes prolonged suffering before death
Blue, shortfin mako and oceanic whitetip sharks are among the most heavily impacted species
High carbon dioxide concentrations in fish holds can anaesthetise sharks but are not universally applied
The EU banned shark finning on EU vessels in 2013 but global enforcement remains inconsistent

Welfare Considerations

Sharks caught in longlines and trawls experience acute welfare costs from hooking injuries, exhaustion during fighting and extended air exposure during dehooking. Live-finned sharks that are returned to the water cannot swim and drown slowly - one of the most prolonged suffering events in commercial fisheries. Sharks held in fish holds may survive for extended periods in deteriorating water quality before death. Rapid slaughter protocols for target species and mandatory live release of bycatch sharks with minimal handling time reduce welfare costs significantly.

What You Can Do

Support Shark Trust, Oceana and WildAid campaigns against shark finning globally
Choose seafood from fisheries with verified shark bycatch reduction programmes
Avoid shark fin soup and products to reduce demand driving finning fisheries
Engage with EU and UK fisheries policy on shark welfare and bycatch management
Support shark sanctuary establishment in marine protected areas