Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

Although this species is not directly targeted in Canada, it is traded commercially in Atlantic Canada because of its high quality meat. Due to its energetic displays and edibility, it is highly prized by sport anglers as a game fish. The meat is utilized fresh, frozen, smoked and dried salted for human consumption; the oil is extracted for vitamins; the fins used for shark-fin soup; the hides processed into leather and the jaws and teeth used for ornaments. The shortfin mako is an opportunistic apex predator with a wide prey base and as such is likely important in structuring marine ecosystems.

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