Important Shark Fishery Products

Sharks a critical group of elasmobranchs face severe threats from over-exploitation driven by high demand for shark fin soup in the USA and China. They are targeted for sport, commercial fisheries, and bycatch. Sharks and rays, related species, provide products such as meat, fins, liver, skin, cartilage, jaws, and teeth. Finning, removing fins and discarding the body is notably wasteful. Shark meat is used for human and livestock consumption while fins are prized in East Asia. Shark skin is utilized for luxury items and cartilage and liver oil are marketed for unproven health benefits.