NOAA Fisheries will make a decision by next August about providing endangered species protections to a shark fished primarily for the value of its fins, under a recent settlement agreement between the agency and two environmental groups.
The tope shark, found in oceans around the world, is described as a slender, highly migratory species whose habitat extends from the deep ocean to the nearshore surf zone. Experts say it is relatively small, growing up to 6 feet and weighing 100 pounds, and preys on small fish. It is a strong swimmer and can travel up to 35 miles in a day, according to the MarineBio Conservation Society.
While the shark has multiple common names — including gray shark and school shark — it is best known as the “soupfin” shark because its fin flesh contains high levels of vitamins sought for traditional Asian cooking. Its fin oils are also used in cosmetics and are considered to have healing attributes in traditional Chinese medicine, according to a 2022 study published in the academic journal Animals.
In the United States, tope sharks are found mostly off the Washington state, Oregon and California coasts, according to the Center for Biological Diversity and the Defend Them All Foundation, which petitioned NOAA to list the shark in February 2022 and filed a lawsuit against the agency in June 2024.
