Untangling the global trade network of shark and ray meat

Overfishing is the primary driver of extinction risk for elasmobranchs globally. Although the shark fin trade destined for markets in Southeast Asia has historically attracted more attention than other elasmobranch products, evidence suggests that shark meat trade is steadily growing in volume and value relative to the fin trade. Shark and ray products are a vital protein source in many food-insecure countries and are also widely traded internationally, with large markets in many higher income countries such as the U.S., Spain, and France. Available empirical studies have found that many endangered and protected elasmobranch species are widely traded and consumed, shark meat is frequently mislabelled, and in general shark products are associated with elevated risk of illegal, unreported, and unregulated activities. Fisheries have increasingly targeted elasmobranchs as many fish species decline, yet they are usually not managed as closely as other commercial species. Despite recent changes in policies and market dynamics, a comprehensive analysis of trade patterns and regulatory landscapes is lacking.

We explored patterns in the global trade of shark and ray meat using the new ARTIS database of trade of aquatic foods, focusing on key species and taxonomic groups as well as key producers, intermediaries, and consumer countries. We incorporated information on relevant policy instruments, including CITES appendices, national plans of actions for sharks, and shark finning regulations. Our results corroborate known patterns of key taxonomic groups and fishing countries and reveal new insights into supply chain dynamics—including marked regional shifts in shark meat trade over the past two decades. An assessment of conservation and management measures related to shark trade highlights a general lack of oversight at the consumer end of the supply chain compared to the fishing countries. Better understanding of elasmobranch meat trade dynamics and the regulatory landscape will help highlight challenges and opportunities for sustainable fisheries management, equitable protein provision, and protection of endangered elasmobranch species.