The Greatest Threats to Sharks

Tragically, these top predators are in grave trouble due to human activity. Heavy fishing pressure continues to threaten many shark populations. Two of the greatest threats to sharks are finning and bycatch.

Estimates of the total number of sharks killed each year for their fins range from 26 to 73 million per year. Increasing demand for the Chinese luxury food, shark fin soup, is now placing even greater pressure on shark fisheries. 

Tens of millions of sharks are caught unintentionally as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. This is a global problem that spans several fishing gear types including longlines, trawls and gillnets.

Some fisheries also target sharks for their meat, which is often sold in Europe as "fish and chips." In addition, sharks are fished for their liver oil and cartilage, which are used in cosmetics and dietary supplements. Other threats to sharks include habitat damage, pollution and the loss of prey species due to overfishing.