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Endangered Sharks Sold Across US Grocery Stores and Markets
10 Sep
Summary
- Nearly one-third of shark products tested came from endangered species
- Widespread mislabeling, with only 1 product having a correct species label
- Shark meat can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins
In a concerning discovery, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that endangered and critically endangered shark species are being sold as food products in grocery stores, seafood markets, and online across the United States.
The study, conducted in 2021 and 2022, analyzed 30 shark products purchased in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Nearly one-third of the samples were found to come from shark species at risk of extinction, including great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, shortfin mako, and tope sharks.
Worse still, the researchers found widespread mislabeling of these products. A staggering 93% of the samples were simply labeled as "shark," making it impossible for consumers to know what they were actually buying. In fact, only one product had a correct, species-specific label.
Beyond the conservation concerns, the researchers also warned that some of the shark species found, such as hammerheads and smooth-hounds, can contain high levels of mercury, methylmercury, and arsenic, which can pose serious health risks.
With shark populations already declining by over 70% since the 1970s, the researchers argue that urgent action is needed to protect these vulnerable species and ensure consumers are making informed choices.
