Are Sharks Sustainable To Eat?

Whether shark is a sustainable food choice depends on the species, population and fishery. A shark's abundance in one place doesn't establish its status elsewhere, and a species name alone isn't enough to judge a catch. The four examples below explain why a regional assessment matters; they are not a current list of approved shark fisheries.

Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)

Location: Blue sharks are widely distributed and can be found in both coastal and open ocean waters, ranging from temperate to tropical regions worldwide.

Blue sharks have slender bodies and blue coloration. The original article described them as abundant and “Least Concern,” but provided no dated assessment or fishery-specific evidence. Neither that label nor a claimed reproductive advantage is enough to recommend eating a particular catch.

Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)

Location: Spiny dogfish are found in temperate and cold waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans.

Spiny dogfish have distinctive spines ahead of their dorsal fins. The source’s claims of a short lifespan, high reproductive capacity and a universal “Least Concern” status should not be relied on. Assess the specific population and managed fishery before treating dogfish as a sustainable option.

Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus)

Location: Mako sharks are pelagic and can be found in oceans worldwide, particularly in temperate and tropical waters.

Mako sharks are known for speed and agility. The original article discussed Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus but confused their common names and made unsupported regional status comparisons. Do not use that comparison to identify a shark, justify harvest or establish sustainability. Species identification and current regional rules are essential.

Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus)

Location: Porbeagle sharks inhabit temperate and cold waters of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere.

Porbeagles are robust sharks found in temperate and cold waters. The original article cited a global “Vulnerable” status and suggested recovery under regulation, but gave no assessment date or regional evidence. Consult the relevant fishery authorities rather than treating that general description as approval to harvest.

Conclusion

Any case for eating shark must identify a legally harvested species and a population that can support the catch. Use selective methods and avoid unintended catch, but recognize that good technique alone cannot make an overharvested population sustainable. Ask which species, which population and which management evidence supports the choice. Without those answers, this article should not be used as a shopping or harvest recommendation.