High demand for their fins: Hammerhead shark fins are highly valued in various Asian cultures, particularly for use in shark fin soup. The demand for these fins has driven a significant portion of the overfishing of hammerheads, with many species facing population declines as a result.
Bycatch: Hammerheads are often caught unintentionally as bycatch in fishing operations targeting other species, such as tuna and swordfish. Due to their large size and distinctive shape, hammerheads are more likely to become entangled in fishing gear, leading to high levels of incidental mortality.
Directed fishing for meat and liver oil: In addition to their fins, hammerheads are also targeted for their meat and liver oil. Their meat is consumed locally in many regions, while the liver oil is valued for its purported medicinal properties, including as a source of squalene, a compound used in various cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Lack of effective management: Many hammerhead shark species have been slow to receive adequate protection and management measures, leading to overexploitation and population declines. In some cases, fishing regulations and quotas have not been effectively enforced, contributing to the overfishing of these vulnerable species.
Slow reproductive rate: Hammerhead sharks have a relatively slow reproductive rate compared to other fish species. This makes it more difficult for populations to recover from overfishing, as the replenishment of their numbers is slower compared to species with higher reproductive rates.
Conservation efforts are being made to address the overfishing of hammerhead sharks, including the implementation of fishing regulations, protected areas, and awareness campaigns. However, given the continued high demand for their fins and the challenges of reducing bycatch, hammerheads remain highly vulnerable to overfishing and population declines.