Recent findings from scientists indicate a notable decrease in the quantity of shark products seized at Australia’s borders; however, the country remains implicated in the global shark trade. Research conducted by the University of Adelaide highlights that between 2009 and 2023, most shark products entering Australia originated from Asia, but interestingly, one in five shark products – including fins and preserved specimens – confiscated at New Zealand’s borders was traced back to Australia.
Josephine Lingard, a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide, expressed surprise at the extent of Australia’s involvement. Over a fifteen-year span, 290 shark product seizures were recorded in New Zealand, with 58 identified as Australian-origin. However, the exact origins of these products within Australia remain unclear, leaving room for speculation about whether they were sourced locally or merely passed through Australia en route to New Zealand.
Lingard suggested that these products might be processed within Australia before being sent internationally or that Australia acts merely as a transit point, resulting in skewed data regarding their origin upon entry into New Zealand. This raises concerns about the accuracy of data recorded at both Australian and New Zealand borders, as the information is often limited and lacks species-specific identification—less than one per cent of records contained relevant details.
Many of the seizure records lack crucial information; in one instance, a preserved specimen was merely described as “a shark in blue liquid”, failing to clarify the species or the preservation method. Lingard noted the need for more comprehensive record-keeping to enhance the understanding of Australia’s role in the international shark trade and ensure that protected species are not illegally exploited.
Some shark varieties, like the gummy shark, remain lawful to fish in Australia and are commonly served as “flake” in fish and chip shops. However, a recent study from 2024 revealed that about 10 per cent of products sold as flake might actually originate from threatened species. While importing shark products is permitted under specific regulations, including permits from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the current framework appears flawed.
Overall, the research emphasizes the necessity for stricter documentation practices to bolster the fight against illegal shark trading and to safeguard endangered species by ensuring they are not unlawfully fished or traded in Australia. Without substantial improvements in data accuracy and monitoring, these legal loopholes may continue to endanger threatened shark populations.