Scientists warn of health consequences of eating endangered shark meat | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJulia MustoThursday 11 September 2025 00:28 BSTClimate change bites back at sharksAmericans are unknowingly consuming critically endangered shark meat, which poses significant health risks due to high mercury levels.A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill revealed that most shark meat samples purchased were ambiguously labelled, preventing consumers from identifying the species or potential mercury content.Shark meat, legally sold in the U.S. for as little as $2.99 a pound, often contains harmful mercury, with critically endangered species like hammerheads having particularly high levels.The global shark meat trade is valued at $2.6 billion, with the U.S. being the fourth-largest exporter and a significant importer of the product.Researchers are calling for stronger regulations and mandatory species-specific labelling to enhance seafood transparency and protect consumer health.In fullHaving shark meat for dinner? It could be an endangered speciesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in