A new study reveals that shark meat sold in the US often comes from endangered species – without consumers knowing it. Researchers examined 29 products, including 19 fillets from supermarkets and fish markets in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Washington D.C., as well as 10 dried meat products purchased online.
Hidden threat in the shopping basket
Using DNA barcoding, the scientists identified the species behind the products and compared the results with the labels. The findings are alarming: 31 percent of the samples came from endangered or critically endangered sharks – including great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smoothhound, and shortfin mako. Other samples contained species classified as vulnerable or near threatened, such as silky shark, lemon shark, thresher shark, or blacktip sharks.
“We found critically endangered sharks, including the great hammerhead and the scalloped hammerhead, in supermarkets, at fish markets, and online,” said study leader Savannah Ryburn of the University of North Carolina to CBS News.
Particularly problematic: 93 percent of the products were labeled only with the vague term “shark.” Of the few products with a specific species label, one was incorrectly identified.
Danger for humans and animals
In addition to ecological risks, consuming mislabeled shark meat also poses health hazards. Species such as the scalloped hammerhead or the great hammerhead are known for high concentrations of mercury, methylmercury, and arsenic. These substances can cause neurological and developmental damage.
The study authors therefore call for mandatory species-level labeling. Ryburn also advises avoiding products with untraceable origins: “If shark meat does not contribute to food security, consumers should avoid products without clear labeling or traceability.”
