LAUSR

Little is known about the impacts of the international shark fin trade in emerging economies. This study describes and discusses the knowledge and practices of artisanal fishers in Bahia state, Brazil, concerning the global fin trade. All participants confirmed that fin trade is conducted locally, and 44 (67.7%) admitted to having sold fins. Shark fins reach high prices. Most fishers claim that the number of sharks captured is increasing, and 24.6% (n = 16) claim that this is the reason behind the drop in shark populations. The participants vehemently oppose finning and declare that vessels from other regions catch shark for finning in the area. Fishers believe that surveillance and heavy fines are an effective way to curb finning. Further studies should investigate the sociocultural, economic, and ecological impacts of the sale of fins by artisanal fishers.