Fishing fraud in the Mediterranean

Shark disguised as tuna - 20th July 2020

Shark meat is being sold as tuna across the Mediterranean as fish populations fall.

In the past, shark populations have enjoyed a safe habitat in The Mediterranean Sea. They even had to be killed to control their numbers. However, the demand for expensive tuna and swordfish is growing so fishing boats are catching shark species. They then sell them on as expensive fish meat.

Sharks used to be released back into the water if they were caught unintentionally, but now they are valuable to struggling fishing communities. Markets and restaurants are claiming to sell expensive swordfish and customers are paying high prices for the meat. However, they are unknowingly buying shark meat which can be 12 times cheaper than popular fish.

A study by the University of Catania, in Italy, found that 15% of swordfish samples contained other fish meat. As well as being illegal, this is dangerous to the health of consumers. Many shark species contain mercury and other metals.

Sharks grow and reproduce slowly and high levels of fishing are putting the population at risk. Several species are already extinct.

Experts are demanding a system to control fishing and protect endangered sharks.