An investigation led by marine ecologist Savannah Ryburn has uncovered a troubling trend in U.S. stores: the sale of illicit meat from endangered sharks under false or misleading labels. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the challenges in regulating and tracking shark meat sales, with significant implications for marine conservation, the agriculture sector, and investors.
The legality of selling shark meat in the United States hinges on the shark’s harvest location and species. However, once large shark species reach grocery stores and markets, they are often sold as fillets with distinguishing features removed. This makes it difficult for sellers to accurately identify the species they are offering, let alone consumers.
For the analysis, researchers purchased 19 shark steaks and 11 packs of shark jerky from stores and online in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. They then analyzed the DNA from the meat to determine the species of each shark. Out of 29 identified samples, nine contained meat from endangered sharks, including critically endangered great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead sharks. Several other samples contained meat from vulnerable species, such as the spinner, common thresher, and blacktip shark. Only one sample came from a species of least concern, an Atlantic sharpnose shark.
The findings underscore the urgent need for better regulation and transparency in the shark meat market. Since 1970, the number of sharks and rays in the open ocean has declined by 71 percent, with demand for shark meat being a key driver of this decline. In the U.S., fresh shark meat can be bought at remarkably low prices, selling for as little as around $6 a pound. This low cost and lack of regulation make it easier for illicit and mislabeled shark meat to enter the market.
For the agriculture sector, this investigation highlights the importance of traceability and transparency in food supply chains. As consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products grows, companies that prioritize these values are likely to gain a competitive edge. Investors should also take note, as the risks associated with investing in companies involved in illicit or unsustainable practices are becoming increasingly apparent. By supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and transparency, investors can contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems and the long-term health of the agriculture sector.
Ryburn emphasizes that sellers in the United States should be required to provide species-specific names for shark meat products. Additionally, consumers should avoid purchasing products that lack species-level labeling or traceable sourcing, especially when shark meat is not a food security necessity. By taking these steps, we can help protect endangered shark species and promote a more sustainable and transparent food market.