17 tons of shark fins seized in Brazil: Shark fins are worth $3,000 per kilo in illegal shark trafficking and threatening the shark populaion worlwide

 https://www.hksharkfoundation.org/

Shark finning is the practice of cutting the fins off sharks after they are caught and then throwing the trunk, or carcass, of the animal (usually still alive), back into the sea. Since up to 95% of a shark is meat of a lower value, the practice of shark finning saves space on boats for the more valuable fins. This means that shark finning is a wasteful practice compared with other kinds of fishing. For example, by comparison, when tuna are caught, nearly all of their bodies are used in some way.

Photo Credit: Receita Federal (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service)

Brazilian authorities have seized more than 17 tons of s hark finsdestined for Malaysia, with environmental officials estimating that approximately 5,700 sharks were killed to supply the shipment.

The seizure took place on October 27 at the Port of Itapoá in Santa Catarina, Brazil, where customs officials intercepted a shipping container falsely declared as carrying frozen sardines. During an inspection, authorities discovered bags filled with shark fins.

Brazil’s environmental agency, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), identified fins belonging to blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus), a species threatened with extinction.

Following the discovery, IBAMA imposed a R$50 million fine on the company involved in the attempted illegal export.

According to IBAMA, shark fins can sell for as much as $3,000 per kilogram in some Asian markets, reflecting the international demand that continues to threaten shark populations around the world.

The seizure also follows stricter regulations introduced by Brazil in March 2026 to oversee the international trade of blue sharks, including their export, import, and re-export.

Sharks play an essential role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, yet they continue to face significant threats from overfishing and commercial exploitation.

The seizure underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and enforcement to combat illegal shark trafficking and prevent thousands more sharks from being killed for their fins.