Doctoral Thesis
Perspectives on the consumption of shark products: sustainability of fisheries, seafood labelling, and human health
Murdoch University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60867/00000064
Abstract
Sharks (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii, Selachii) have existed for hundreds of millions of years. However, many shark populations are now declining at alarming rates, with IUCN data suggesting about one in three species is threatened globally. This is mainly due to overexploitation through targeted fishing, driven by demand for fins and flesh, as well as bycatch. Reliable seafood trade data are crucial for sustainable management of exploited shark populations but require accurate seafood labelling. The general aim of my PhD thesis was to investigate some of the challenges associated with producing sustainable, healthy and ethically sourced shark products. The thesis starts with a global review of the multiple dimensions associated with the human consumption of shark products. It concludes that increasing the transparency of seafood supply chains is essential to overcoming some of the problems in producing sustainable, healthy and ethically sourced shark products. The first data chapter assessed the quality of labelling of shark products in online menus in fish and chip shops in Australia. Menus from a total of 712 shops from across Australia were identified as definitely or possibly selling shark products. These products were typically labelled with ambiguous or generic terms. Information about area of origin was rarely given even for products with species-specific labels. The second data chapter used sequence information from the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene to determine which species are being sold under generic labels in fish and chip shops, mainly in the Perth metropolitan area. The results showed that a broad range of shark species, including species of conservation concern, are being sold under generic labels. They also showed that approximately 60% of the species-specific labels were inaccurate, i.e. did not match the species being sold. The final data chapter used an online access panel survey to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of over 1,200 people from across Australia regarding labelling of seafood and shark products in fish and chip shops and related issues. The results suggest that consumers are generally unaware of common problems with the labelling of seafood and shark products in Australian fish and chip shops, but generally expect accurate labelling and healthy, sustainable, and ethically sourced seafood. My results can be used by policymakers, the public and management agencies to advocate for practices, including improved labelling standards, that will facilitate informed consumer choice and the consumption of sustainable, healthy and ethically sourced shark products in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Perspectives on the consumption of shark products: sustainability of fisheries, seafood labelling, and human health
- Authors/Creators
- Md Robiul Hasan
- Contributors
- Jennifer Chaplin (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Environmental and Conservation SciencesMatias Braccini (Supervisor) - Murdoch UniversityPeter Spencer (Supervisor) - Murdoch University
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Publisher
- Murdoch University
- Identifiers
- 991005834966707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
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