We’re trying to save sharks by banning fancy soup, but the real problem is the massive global appetite for cheap shark meat.
March 25, 2026
Original Paper
Beyond fins – The social and economic dimensions of Mexico’s trade of shark products
SSRN · 6465057
The Takeaway
While conservationists focus on banning shark fin soup, a collapse in international fin prices has been offset by a surge in domestic consumption of shark meat in developing countries. The 'worthless' by-product has become the primary economic incentive for the catch.
From the abstract
Overfishing has led to the deterioration of several shark and ray populations worldwide, driven by a high demand of their products and sub-products. Shark fins are one of the most valuable seafood commodities, however, shark meat is an important source of protein particularly in developing countries. Despite Mexico being a global player in the production and consumption of sharks and rays, the supply chain and use of these products remain poorly known. We characterised the trade of shark and ray