What Border Seizures Tell Us About the Transnational Shark Trade

Environment Institute members Dr Patrick Reis-Santos, Professor Phill Cassey, Professor Bronwyn Gillanders, and PhD Candidate Josephine Lingard recently published a new paper looking at the transnational shark trade, showing what they've uncovered as a cause for concern. 

With over one-third of shark species now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing and international trade, this study provides new insights into the personal use trade of shark products through Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Using border seizure data collected from government and biosecurity agencies, the team investigated where shark products confiscated at airports and via unaccompanied mail had come from, and how these patterns have shifted over time. The findings are striking.

In Australia, the majority of seized shark products originated from Asia, with Hong Kong and China identified as key sources for fins. The total number of shark-related seizures in Australia decreased over the study period, with a notable drop during the COVID-19 border closures (2020–2021).

In contrast, New Zealand’s top source of seized shark products was actually Australia, suggesting a complex role for Australia not just as a destination, but potentially as a source and transit hub in the shark trade.

The types of products also varied, for example trophy items, such as preserved shark specimens and jaws, were more commonly linked to the USA, while fin products continued to dominate from Asia.

Crucially, less than 1% of all seizures in both countries included detailed, species-specific data. Yet of the species that were identified, a staggering 78% (14 out of 18) were listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning they are at risk of extinction unless trade is strictly regulated.

This lack of traceability presents a major challenge for conservation. Without clear identification, it’s almost impossible to enforce international laws or track how endangered species are moving through global markets.

The researchers argue that improving species-level identification is essential, not only to support CITES enforcement, but also to strengthen Australia and New Zealand’s role in combating illegal and unsustainable shark trade.

While the trade uncovered in this study appears largely tied to personal use, it still poses a serious threat to biodiversity. As this study reveals, better data, stronger regulation, and international cooperation will be critical to protecting these ancient and increasingly endangered creatures.

Read the full article here.