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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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.