The mako shark, often called the “cheetah of the sea” for its incredible speed, is an apex predator found across the world’s oceans. This shark plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem by helping maintain its health and balance. Unfortunately, the answer to whether these ocean wanderers are endangered is a resounding yes, as their populations are highly threatened globally.
The Official Conservation Status
The conservation status of mako sharks is tracked by international scientific and regulatory bodies, which have classified both species as threatened. The two main species, the Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the Longfin Mako (Isurus paucus), are both listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This designation signifies they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild, based on scientific evidence of population decline.
The Shortfin Mako, the more common species, has experienced significant depletion, including an estimated 60% decline in the Atlantic Ocean over 75 years. The Longfin Mako, which is less widely distributed, shares the same global Endangered status due to similar threats. This classification highlights the threats they face across their range.
In 2019, both mako species were added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The CITES listing does not ban trade entirely but mandates that international trade in their parts, such as fins and meat, must be regulated. Any trade requires a permit demonstrating that the specimen was sourced legally and that the export will not be detrimental to the species’ survival in the wild.
Primary Drivers of Population Decline
The primary reason for the sharp decline in mako shark populations is intense fishing pressure, driven by the high commercial value of their meat and fins. Mako meat, often sold as “shark steaks,” is considered a high-quality product in many global markets, creating a strong economic incentive for fishing them. This demand has resulted in targeted fishing, which removes large numbers of mature sharks from the population.
Their slow life history is a major factor contributing to their vulnerability, making them highly susceptible to overexploitation. Mako sharks have a slow growth rate, do not reach sexual maturity until their late teens, and have a low reproductive output. When too many adults are removed, the population cannot recover quickly enough to keep pace with the losses.
Mako sharks are also frequently caught unintentionally as bycatch in large-scale pelagic fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish, particularly those using longlines. Even when released, many sharks caught as bycatch do not survive due to injury or exhaustion. This incidental mortality compounds the effects of targeted fishing, pushing populations downward in all ocean basins where they are fished.
International Protection and Management Efforts
Global efforts to protect mako sharks focus on controlling fishing mortality and regulating international commerce. Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) have been tasked with implementing measures in international waters where these migratory sharks travel. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which manages tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic, has taken significant action for the Shortfin Mako.
After years of scientific advice recommending a complete ban, ICCAT adopted a comprehensive rebuilding program for the North Atlantic Shortfin Mako stock in 2021. This measure included a ban on retaining, transhipping, or landing any shortfin mako caught in the North Atlantic. The goal is to immediately end overfishing and set the population on a path to recovery, though full recovery is predicted to take decades.
The CITES Appendix II listing serves as a powerful tool to manage international trade. This listing requires exporting countries to make a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF), a scientific assessment confirming that the trade will not harm the wild population. By controlling the cross-border movement of mako products, CITES helps ensure that international markets do not fuel unsustainable fishing practices.
Despite these international agreements, the success of conservation efforts depends on the immediate enforcement of retention bans and trade regulations by all member nations. The scientific consensus points to minimizing all fishing-related mortality to allow these naturally resilient, yet biologically vulnerable, sharks to rebuild their numbers.