Research Summary December 2022
Bycatch no more
Blue shark is a USD $411 million fishery that deserves proper management
A new study led by Poseidon Aquatic Resources Management Ltd., commissioned by Oceana, has reconciled global data on the catch, trade, and management of blue shark (Prionace glauca) for the first time. The conclusion is clear: blue shark is a highly valuable species that, without proper management, faces the risk of overexploitation. The full report is available at oceana.org/blueshark.
Blue sharks make up
Blue sharks make up of all traded shark meat
60% of all reported shark catch
36%
CATCH
TRADE
BLUE SHARK IS A VALUABLE FISHERY Total ex-vessel value (landed value) of blue shark, in 2019, is greater than value of each bluefin tuna species, in 2018 Blue shark $411 million
Atlantic bluefin $360 million
all traded 41% ofshark fins
Southern bluefin $219 million
Pacific bluefin $218 million
BLUE SHARK IS A HEAVY HITTER IN THE SHARK TRADE Tonnes of blue shark meat imported (product weight), 2019 Spain
7,553
Brazil
5,789
Portugal
5,585
China
4,344
Italy
3,598
Of tonnes of all shark fin imports (wet weight), 2019 LED BY ONLY A FEW FISHING NATIONS Breakdown of 189,783 tonnes (t) of total global blue shark catch, 2019 Other: 21%
Other species: 59%
39,460 t
Blue shark: 41% 16,180 t
Taiwan: 25%
For more on trade, see p. 4 Portugal: 6% Indonesia: 8% Japan: 15%
Spain: 25%
DOMINATED BY LARGE-SCALE DISTANT-WATER FLEETS Large-scale fleets, mostly longliners 90%
Small- and medium-scale fleets: 10%
Distant-water fleets: 74%
Coastal state fleets: 26%
MANAGEMENT WITH MANAGEMENT MEASURES LARGELY ABSENT, REPORT PROPOSES THESE RECOMMENDATIONS Increase direct management of blue shark fisheries, e.g., through the use of catch limits Improve monitoring, reporting, and observer coverage on vessels targeting blue shark Use specific trade codes for key traded shark species Improve seafood labeling and traceability and raise consumer awareness Support spatial protection measures in key blue shark areas For more on management, see p. 6
For more on catch, see p. 2
For more information: oceana.org/blueshark @oceana TOI@oceana.org