The blue shark (Prionace glauca) has long thought to be a species of shark capable of withstanding global fishing pressures, but the data collected in recent years is showing that blue sharks may be succumbing to those pressures. Long line fishing is responsible for high numbers of blue sharks being caught as incidental bycatch with their populations dropping by 60% in the North Atlantic alone. These declines in population are a cause for concern with the blue shark playing a key role within the global ocean. The rising demand for shark meat and fins also places unsustainable pressure on the blue shark, with them being a highly targeted species of shark for their large pectoral fins. The demand for their meat in Brazil has risen dramatically by 40% during the years of 2000 and 2011. With the blue shark only being listed as near threatened by the IUCN and not appearing on cities appendix I or II they are not considered a species that are at risk, yet data seems to be indicating otherwise. The rising interest in shark based eco-tourism could be a potential measure to aid the conservation of this species and educate the public regarding the importance of marine predators like the blue shark.
