Uses for Sharks

Many people assume that because they don’t eat shark fin soup – then they can’t possibly be contributing to the demise of the sharks and rays. And while shark fin soup does account for a considerable amount of shark consumption, there are many other culprits. It isn’t just something that can be blamed on a single culture or country.

Often, it is surprising to discover what shark is actually used in. And it isn’t always the usual, easy to identify products, say with the word shark in the product name, like shark steaks, shark teeth or shark leather. Certain energy drinks, pet supplements, vitamins, lotions, dog chew toys, and even lipsticks - to name but a few - are all known to contain shark products. And often, shark is mislabeled as other, more appealing fish.

So here is an ever-growing list of uses for shark products, some obvious, some surprising.

Common Uses for Shark & Rays:

Shark fin	Shark Fin Soup Dumplings
Supplements / alternative medicine (Shark cartilage & liver oil)	Shark Cartilage pills Shark Cartilage powder Energy drinks & supplements Shark liver oil pills Manta gill rakers
Cosmetics Squalene/Squalane (Shark Liver Oil)	Lotions, Deodorants Sunscreen Medicinal creams Vaccines Lip balms, lipstick Face cream Cosmetics
Steaks / fillets (shark & ray) Shark Meat	Fish & Chips Thresher, Mako Steaks Rock salmon White fish fillets
Skin/Leather (also known as Shagreen)	Wallets, Purses Shoes Furniture Other Leather Products
Shark Souvenirs (Teeth, Jaws, Skin)	Jewelry (if it isn't a fossil, don't buy it.)
Pet products	Food Chews Supplements
Imitation crab, lobster, shrimp	Surimi often includes shark

All of these products, if consumed, can include toxic methyl-mercury.

It is also important to note that more than ½ of the sharks caught are caught as bycatch by tuna, marlin and other open water fishermen. Thus, ensuring you aren’t harming shark means not eating these fish.

Where to commonly find shark:

Restaurants	Grocery stores
Fish & Chip shops	Online marketplaces
Health food stores	Souvenir shops
Pharmacies	Clothing & leather good stores
Cosmetic / Drug stores	Pet stores

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