Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Shark Conservation 2026

Shark welfare and conservation intersect in 2026, as declining populations and fishing-related welfare harms are addressed through new protections.

Key Facts

Over 100 million sharks are killed annually, primarily for fins and bycatch
Finning (removing fins and discarding live sharks) causes prolonged suffering and is banned in many jurisdictions
Sharks have cartilaginous pain receptors and show avoidance responses to noxious stimuli
Marine protected areas provide refuge from fishing pressure and support population recovery
CITES listing of additional shark species in 2023 improved international trade controls

Welfare Considerations

Sharks suffer significant welfare harm from fishing practices including finning and bycatch. Conservation measures that reduce fishing mortality also reduce individual shark suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from fisheries with low shark bycatch
Support shark fin trade bans in your jurisdiction
Engage with shark conservation organisations