The illegal trade of four protected shark species continues despite regulations

Overall, the article is mediocre in its methodology, but poor in its conclusions. It makes assertions and conclusions very lightly, without any tangible evidence, relying instead on assumptions, which is neither serious nor rigorous.

The study has many damaging implications for the longline fishing sector, whose target species is swordfish, not sharks. Spain is accused of trading in shark fins, which is simply not true. The fleet fishes for sharks as bycatch, with specific TACs (Total Allowable Catches) per country and vessel. And while fins are sold, they are always attached to the sharks' bodies; a European law mandates this.

As far as I know, the European fleet (Spain and Portugal) is the only one with almost 100% scientific monitoring of its fishing trips, certifying that no finning [the capture of sharks to cut off their fins and return their bodies to the sea] takes place. Spain is being accused of this because it is one of the largest exporters of sharks. And I also question that: the longline fleet is constantly declining, so I don't know if that data is up-to-date for 2025, and therefore I give it very little credence.

[Regarding limitations of the work] The article lacks adequate and accurate traceability of its conclusions and assertions, especially in a world of free trade, where, particularly in developing countries, there is an ever-increasing presence of all types of fleets, without any monitoring by observers. And where the shark fin trade continues as it always has.