Sharks have been a source of fear and fascination for centuries. But believe it or not, shark meat is actually edible and can be found in some seafood markets and on restaurant menus around the world.
If you’re curious about the safety of eating shark meat, read on to learn more.
The Safety of Eating Shark Meat
Shark meat is generally considered safe to eat, as long as it is properly prepared and cooked. However, there are several health risks associated with consuming shark meat due to its high levels of mercury.
Mercury is a toxic element that accumulates in fish over time and can cause serious health problems if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, pregnant women and children should avoid eating shark meat altogether.
In addition to potential health risks, there are also environmental concerns associated with eating shark meat. Overfishing has caused the population of many species of sharks to decline drastically over the past few decades.
As a result, some countries have placed restrictions on fishing for certain species while others have completely banned the practice altogether.
Furthermore, sharks tend to be slow-growing and late-maturing animals – meaning they don’t reproduce quickly enough to sustain their population levels when heavily fished.
Conclusion
Overall, shark meat is safe to eat as long as it is properly prepared and cooked. However, due to its high levels of mercury and potential environmental concerns associated with overfishing, pregnant women and children should avoid consuming it altogether.
If you do choose to purchase or order shark meat from the market or at a restaurant, make sure that it has been sourced from a sustainable fishery that adheres to strict regulations regarding catch size and seasonality. Doing so will help protect both your health and the environment!
