Shortfin Mako Shark Faces Decline Due to Overfishing and Underreporting
The Shortfin Mako Shark, a species with low capacity to withstand fishing mortality, is experiencing intense exploitation in the Atlantic Ocean. This shark is highly valued for its meat and fins, making it a frequent target for large longline fleets. Reports indicate a steady decline in its abundance in the commercial longline fishery off the Atlantic coast of the U.S. The practice of finning, which often results in undocumented catches, exacerbates the issue. Underreporting is significant, with studies showing an average underreporting of 33% across fishery logbooks. The species is also a popular target for recreational fishing, further impacting its population. 
