Economic valuation of the global market for blue shark products and interdependent policy analysis for sustainable management and trade

This study for Oceana has involved a multi-disciplinary team of researchers to determine the global and regional significance of blue shark fisheries. It estimates the global blue shark catch, maps trade in the species, calculates economic values for blue shark and explores the policies and management measures in place. 

The report finds that there is relatively limited direct management of these valuable resources and identifies where improvements should be made. Improvements are also needed regarding labeling blue shark products. These, along with other actions like tackling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing by Distant Water Fleets and raising consumer awareness, would help to ensure blue shark resources are fished sustainably, and would benefit other, often endangered, shark species that are currently caught up in these fisheries and trade.