Shark Finning and Elasmobranch Welfare

Shark finning — removing fins and discarding the living shark at sea — causes prolonged suffering and has devastated shark populations globally.

Key Facts

Over 100 million sharks are killed annually by fishing largely for shark fin soup
Finned sharks are often thrown back alive into the ocean where they sink and suffocate or are consumed by other predators
Shark populations have declined by over 70 percent globally in the past 50 years
Sharks are apex predators whose removal destabilizes entire marine food webs

Welfare Considerations

Finning causes an extraordinarily prolonged and distressing death. Sharks cannot pump water over their gills when immobile causing suffocation. Finned sharks that sink to the seabed may survive for hours in a helpless state. Beyond individual welfare, shark population collapse removes apex predators that regulate the structure and health of entire marine ecosystems affecting the welfare of countless other species. Banning shark fin trade is among the most impactful marine welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Never consume shark fin soup or products containing shark fins
Support campaigns for shark fin trade bans in your country
Advocate for international shark fishing bans and CITES protection for commercially threatened species
Choose seafood from fisheries certified for shark-safe bycatch practices