What's happening to sharks and why?

Sharks have been on this planet for more than 400 million years, and have perfectly adapted to their environment. There are over 80 shark species in European waters. Due to their role as superpredators, they are an essential link in the ocean’s food chain and essential in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

Nevertheless, their slow maturity and low fecundity mean that their populations are not able to recover at the same rate they are exploited. The loss of these predators would have negative consequences in the marine environment, including the disappearance of a great number of other species.

Today, sharks are considered target species in many EU fisheries. Their fins, exported to Asian markets for the elaboration of the traditional soup, and their livers, destined for the international cosmetics industry, are now among the most expensive products from the sea. In addition, many species are frequently caught at bycatch.

In the EU, shark fisheries management is either nonexistent or little effective. The majority of shark species lack fishing quotas or other control measures, such as closed areas or minimum catch sizes.

The lack of data on catches and trade complicates the evaluation of the state of shark populations and the development of optimal shark fisheries management regimes. Even so, there is evidence that they are being caught in an unsustainable manner and that some biologically vulnerable populations are below sustainable levels.