Shark and Ray Meat

Learn how to avoid eating sharks.

Shark and ray meat is consumed all over the world; however, it is not nearly as popular as other fish species, probably due to processing requirements. Until recently, shark meat was considered of lesser quality and was not heavily featured on menus and store shelves.

However, popularity for shark meat in the western world has risen, and it is quite common in the U.S. to find thresher or mako at your local grocery store chain or on a restaurant menu.

One quite underhanded technique restaurants and stores often employ is masking the use of shark by changing the name. Take for instance, the poor, little spiny dogfish shark. Who would eat this shark? Maybe you or someone you know. How is that possible? Because these sharks have been re-labeled to a more, well, appealing term: rock salmon.  And are commonly used as fish and chips. Spiny dogfish shark is known as saumonette (“little salmon”) in France, and schillerlocken (“locks of Schiller” – dried shark) and seeaal (“sea eel”) in Germany.  And, in Australia and New Zealand, whitefish fillets or flake are actually elephant or ghosts shark.

Often the fish you are eating is mis-labeled as well. In fact a recent study in Canada by Oceana indicated nearly half of the fish tested was labeled incorrectly. Knowing the source of your fish – or better yet not consuming fish at all – ensures you are not contributing to the demise of sharks.

Below is a growing list of names for shark meat

Know of another name for shark? Contact us.

Surimi and Fish Sticks/Patties

Shark is often used as an ingredient in composite fish products. For instance, it is widely utilized in surimi (otherwise known as artificial crab, lobster or shrimp.) Next time you order a California Sushi Roll, think twice! And it is known to find its way into generic aggregate products like whitefish patties, fish sticks, and smoked fish strips. Next time you order at a fast food restaurant, we’d recommend skipping the fish. With all its uses, being an aware consumer is our best defense, as you could easily be eating shark and not realizing it.

Shark Meat for Livestock, Pets & Fertilizers

Shark byproducts are also commonly used in fish meal (which is used to feed pets and livestock amongst other purposes) and also fertilizers – including those you would purchase at your local garden shop. Shark is commonly used in many pet products including dog and cat food, supplements (particularly for joint health), and even chew toys. One online retailer recently offered thresher shark “bully sticks” for sale.

Shark Fins

Shark fins are sold dried or in the form of prepared foods. These products are sold legally throughout the world, and can be found throughout Asia, as well as in most major cities, typically in areas called “Chinatowns”.  They can be purchased at stores, restaurants, herbalists, and also online from distributors either frozen or dried. Typically shark fins are used for soups; however, there is a plethora of other delicacies that also utilize shark fins. And, given its association with stature, more and more continue to arise – even pet food.

How do you avoid buying products that contain shark?

Ask questions before buying any fish and read labels. Ask how it was fished, what species it is, and where it was caught. If the answers are vague, don’t buy it. Don’t buy anything with the common shark names listed above. Also avoid any composite products. And remember, this goes for your pet’s food too!

Many Shark Angels don’t eat anything from the sea. But if you do eat fish, you should do it wisely – and sustainably. Get smart! Get a seafood card or download an app and carry it with you. Most likely, one exists no matter where you live.

How do you stop companies from selling shark meat?

Sign our petition to help us put pressure on them. Ask your friends and family to sign it. Share it on your social channels. Help us reach 50,000 supporters.