Some vessels intentionally catch sharks to harvest their fins, which are valuable in certain markets. Shark finning threatens shark populations and violates the U.N. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and IPOA-Sharks.

Our conservation measures 3.1(a), 3.1(b), and 3.1(c) ask ISSF participating companies to take certain steps to help prevent shark finning in the seafood industry.

We have researched tuna fishing’s impacts on sharks and reviewed the management measures adopted by RFMOs to mitigate these impacts. Our bycatch management strategy report defines “inputs” or considerations for mitigating shark bycatch.

Our scientists have identified steps fishers can take before and after the tuna catch to reduce unintentional catches of silky sharks by up to 62%. We outline shark bycatch-mitigation techniques in scientific reports and skippers guidebooks. 

For shark bycatch rates by ocean, see our “Tropical Purse Seine Fisheries Bycatch” infographic series.

In ISSF guidebooks, infographics, posters, and scientific reports, we publish best practices that purse-seine fishers can follow onboard to safely release live sharks from the deck. We also have compiled shark identification resources by ocean.

We also report on collaborative workshops with fishers to discuss new equipment and handling techniques for releasing accidentally caught sharks and other species.

ISSF scientists worked with tuna fishers and physical oceanographers to develop a new model for FADs: the jelly-FAD. The jelly-FAD is safer for sharks and other marine animals because it does not use netting. It also is made with nearly 100% biodegradable materials.

To inform Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) requirements for fleets, ISSF shares science-based shark-conservation best-practices information through position statements and other outreach efforts. We also evaluate RFMO FAD management measures intended to help protect sharks.