Fishing fraud in the Mediterranean

Disguised sale of shark meat - 20th July 2020

Endangered sharks and rays are being hunted and sold as expensive fish, putting the Mediterranean ecosystem in serious danger.

Contrary to the belief that sharks are a danger to humans, the reality is the reverse. Once thriving populations of shark and ray species are rapidly falling as desperate fishing crews, unable to find enough tuna and swordfish, hunt sharks. Whilst some species are deliberately targeted, other unwanted dead sharks are simply thrown back into the sea.

Some people working in markets and restaurants hide shark and ray meat by cooking it and then selling it on under the label of tuna or swordfish. Customers are unwittingly eating the cheap meat and paying up to 12 times the price they should be, believing it to be an expensive fish.

15% of swordfish samples taken by the University of Catania, in Italy, found other types of fish meat present. Not only is this illegal, but it can also be harmful to consumers’ health as a lot of shark meat contains high levels of mercury and other metals.

Due to the fact that sharks are slow to mature and breed, they are in danger of becoming extinct. In fact, several species have already disappeared. As the top predators, this could have a severe impact on the ecosystem.

Experts believe that urgent action is needed to ensure all fishing is legal, traceable, and sustainable to secure the future of the fishing industry in the Mediterranean.