A group of researchers found that meat from "critically endangered" sharks is available for sale in the US, despite bans and restrictions. The study analyzed 30 samples of shark meat purchased in stores, markets, or online, with 31% coming from endangered species like the great hammerhead and shortfin mako shark. Most samples had generic labels, making it difficult for customers to know they were buying meat from illegally fished and endangered sharks. Additionally, the researchers found that some labeled products actually contained meat from the wrong shark species.

Sharks are a keystone species, and their presence benefits all life within their ecosystem. However, fishing and overfishing are pushing more than a third of all sharks and rays towards extinction. Mislabeling and overfishing pose a threat not only to shark populations but also to human health, as shark meat can contain high levels of mercury, methylmercury, and arsenic. Consuming these heavy metals can lead to brain damage, cancer, and other negative health effects.