Anyone that knows anything about food knows that Spain is a seafood eating nation. Since the 1990s, Spain has been one of the top five sealife exploiters with an extremely powerful and efficient fishing fleet. Spain is responsible for about 50% of all the EU's Shark and Ray catch. This is why the results of a new poll commissioned by the Shark Alliance is so surprising. While 96% of pollees said that they did not eat Shark, 76% did not now that the popular Spanish seafood items “cazón” and “marrajo” are actually Shark. Cazón is Dogfish and marrajo is the endangered Porbeagle Shark. 33% of those polled said that they eat “cazón” and “marrajo.” A similar poll showed that 95% of Spanish people supported Shark and other endangered species regulations.

“Spanish fishermen catch more sharks than those from any other European country while the Spanish government is increasingly out of touch with its citizens’ views on protecting shark populations,” said Sandrine Polti of the Shark Alliance.

A report published today by Shark Alliance member SUBMON found that the mislabelling and renaming of shark products within Spain is widespread and likely responsible for the discrepancy between people expressing the desire to abstain from shark meat and yet consuming it under other guises.

[Underwater Times]

Marrajo is endangered Porbeagle Shark.

It is of critical importance that there be accurate, honest, and consistent labeling of all seafood. People need to know what exactly what they are eating and what their dietary choices are supporting. When someone orders fish and chips they should know exactly the species of fish they are eating. It isn't always Cod or Haddock. Ever see Rock Salmon on a menu? Hmmm, Salmon right? Nope. Rock Salmon is Spiny Dogfish, a critically Endangered species of small Shark.

Aside from accurate labeling, here is what the Shark Alliance report suggests:

* Limit shark catches to scientifically advised and/or precautionary levels;
* Eliminate excess fleet capacity;
* Prevent take of particularly vulnerable or endangered shark species;
* Ensure accurate reporting and traceability of shark trade by species and product; and
* Educate fishermen and sellers as to shark species identification and restrictions.

Educate yourself. The greedy thrive off of the ignorance of the consumer. It is up to you to police industry. The government cannot be trusted to legislate ethics.

--El Tiburon