Shark Populations Plummet as Brazilians Feast on Them

In Cananéia, along Brazil’s coastline, lies a trade hidden from casual view. Amidst the colorful fishing boats and tranquil waters of the estuary, an industry thrives on the unassuming wharf. Here, shipments of frozen fish, predominantly sharks, arrive daily from distant shores, destined for processing and distribution across the country.

Manager Helgo Muller oversees the operations, noting pragmatically, “People like it; it’s good and cheap protein. It doesn’t give you crazy profits, but it’s decent enough.” Yet, behind the scenes, concerns grow. Brazil, now a global leader in shark meat consumption, faces criticism from scientists and conservationists alike. The demand for shark meat has escalated, fueling unsustainable fishing practices that endanger numerous species.

Professor Aaron MacNeil from Dalhousie University highlights the ecological toll, emphasizing sharks’ vulnerability to overexploitation. Despite efforts to curb practices like finning, where sharks are harvested solely for their fins, mortality rates remain alarming. This voracious appetite for shark meat coincides with dwindling fish stocks, compounding environmental pressures.

Traditionally consumed in regional dishes like moqueca, shark meat has been integrated into everyday diets across Brazil. However, widespread ignorance prevails regarding the true nature of “cação”—a term under which both shark and ray meat are sold. Few realize the risks to these species, often contaminated with pollutants from their position atop the marine food chain.

Enforcement of conservation laws proves challenging, with bycatch loopholes exploited by the tuna industry. Despite legal protections, protected species continue to be inadvertently caught and sold. Local fishers, navigating these regulations, express frustration at perceived overreach, complicating efforts to balance livelihoods with Conservation imperatives.

As Brazil debates legislative measures to enhance transparency and restrict trade, stakeholders stress the need for informed consumer choices and greater ecological awareness. Amidst global Conservation efforts, the fate of Brazil’s sharks hangs in the balance.

This article by Trinity Sparke  was first published by One Green Planet on 10 July 2024. Image Credit :Tara Lambourne/Shutterstock.

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