Ocean leadership: Can the European Union influence the global shark meat trade?

IF 3.5 2区社会学 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Marine Policy Pub Date : 2025-03-29 DOI:10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106659

A. Ospina-Alvarez , S. de Juan , C. Cáceres , U.R. Sumaila , G. Sant , N.K. Dulvy , C.A. Simpfendorfer , R. García , S. Niedermüller , S. Villasante

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The global shark meat trade entails diverse and tangled challenges, spanning from issues surrounding traceability and sustainability to its international dimension, involving numerous nations. This study analyzes two decades of shark product trade data using network analysis to assess the role of key trading nations. Results reveal key players in the international shark meat trade network including European Union (EU) (e.g. Spain, Portugal, Italy) and South American (e.g. Uruguay, Brazil) nations, which serve as both intercontinental transfer and redistribution points. On the other hand, the trade of shark fins is highly centralized around Asian markets (notably Hong Kong and Singapore). This underlines the important role and responsibility these trade partners have in the broader trade network to ensure the sustainability, legality and traceability of global shark products. While improved management practices are important, this research advocates for policy solutions such as implementing CITES listings for shark species, improving traceability mechanisms, and enforcing science-based catch limits. Achieving a sustainable shark trade necessitates collaborative global action underpinned by robust EU leadership in regulatory frameworks and ethical practices.

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海洋领导力：欧盟能影响全球鲨鱼肉贸易吗？

全球鲨鱼肉贸易面临着各种复杂的挑战，从可追溯性和可持续性到涉及许多国家的国际层面。本研究利用网络分析法分析二十年鲨鱼产品贸易数据，以评估主要贸易国的角色。研究结果揭示了国际鲨鱼肉贸易网络的主要参与者，包括欧盟（如西班牙、葡萄牙、意大利）和南美（如乌拉圭、巴西）国家，这些国家既是洲际转移点，也是再分配点。另一方面，鱼翅贸易高度集中在亚洲市场（尤其是香港和新加坡）。这强调了这些贸易伙伴在更广泛的贸易网络中的重要作用和责任，以确保全球鲨鱼产品的可持续性、合法性和可追溯性。虽然改进管理实践很重要，但本研究倡导实施政策解决方案，例如将鲨鱼物种列入CITES，改进可追溯机制，以及执行基于科学的捕捞限制。实现可持续的鲨鱼贸易需要欧盟在监管框架和道德实践方面发挥强有力的领导作用，并以此为基础开展全球合作行动。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Marine Policy Multiple-

CiteScore

7.60

自引率

13.20%

发文量

428

期刊介绍： Marine Policy is the leading journal of ocean policy studies. It offers researchers, analysts and policy makers a unique combination of analyses in the principal social science disciplines relevant to the formulation of marine policy. Major articles are contributed by specialists in marine affairs, including marine economists and marine resource managers, political scientists, marine scientists, international lawyers, geographers and anthropologists. Drawing on their expertise and research, the journal covers: international, regional and national marine policies; institutional arrangements for the management and regulation of marine activities, including fisheries and shipping; conflict resolution; marine pollution and environment; conservation and use of marine resources. Regular features of Marine Policy include research reports, conference reports and reports on current developments to keep readers up-to-date with the latest developments and research in ocean affairs.