Having shark meat for dinner? It could be an endangered species
Scientists warn of health consequences of eating endangered shark meat
- Americans are unknowingly consuming critically endangered shark meat, which poses significant health risks due to high mercury levels.
- A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill revealed that most shark meat samples purchased were ambiguously labelled, preventing consumers from identifying the species or potential mercury content.
- Shark meat, legally sold in the U.S. for as little as $2.99 a pound, often contains harmful mercury, with critically endangered species like hammerheads having particularly high levels.
- The global shark meat trade is valued at $2.6 billion, with the U.S. being the fourth-largest exporter and a significant importer of the product.
- Researchers are calling for stronger regulations and mandatory species-specific labelling to enhance seafood transparency and protect consumer health.