Yesterday the World Shark Day was celebrated, but the truth is that these extraordinary animals deserve our attention every day. Even in Italy, in fact, we contribute to their extinction by eating their flesh, often without even realizing it and while these marine predators disappear from our seas, here we find them on our “hidden” tables behind unclear names such as Verdesca or Palombo.
Italy, in fact, is among the main importers of shark meat globally (is located in the top 5): in the last seven years we have imported over 43,000 tons, especially from Spain and France. A fact that screeches with our perception: according to an investigation published on Marine Policy, 64% of Italians do not even know that shark meat is legally sold in our supermarkets and restaurants. And the paradox is that, although 93% say they have never purchased it, almost a third (28%) unwittingly consumed species such as Palombo, Verdesca or Gattuccio, without knowing that they are precisely sharks.
Unshabilitable consumption is one of the main threats for these species. As the Documentary #SharkPreyed of the Spinelli brothers – of which we have already spoken in a previous article – the sharks end up on our tables masked with common fish.
We eat sharks without knowing it: be careful which fish to buy the supermarket, a documentary explains everything to us
Just take a look at the labels at the fish counter and do two plus two to realize it:
These names may seem those of common fish but actually indicate all species of sharks, some of which are seriously threatened.
The situation is very serious as these marine predators are essential to maintain the balance of ecosystems and even for the stability of the global climate, as WWF recalls. Every year about 100 million sharks are killed for their meat, fins, liver oil, cartilage and even the skin. But without them, entire food chains risk collapsing.
A cultural problem (and label)
Europe has a leading role in this market: Spain, Portugal and Italy are great importers and sorting centers. Yet the controls are scarce and the labeling still unclear. The consequence? As we have already said, 93% of consumers (at least those interviewed) believe they have never purchased shark meat, but almost a third has eaten it without knowing it.
The main reasons for such unawareness are:
How to avoid shark meat
Avoiding to unconsciously consume shark meat is possible, but a certain attention is needed. The WWF invites everyone to always read the label of fish products carefully, checking:
Obviously fundamental Know the common names behind which the sharks are hidden (Verdesca, Palombo, Seriglio, Spinarolo, Mako, Gattuccio, Sea calf, Boccanera) So that you can avoid them. And if a product has no label or traceability is incomplete, it is better to leave it there: it may come from illegal or non -sustainable fishing.
As you may have understood, saying no to shark meat today is fundamental as it means protecting vulnerable species and defending the biodiversity of the Mediterranean and our oceans.
