Asia- Pacific countries, including the Philippines, are working to achieve a balance between protecting sharks and related species, and ensuring healthy trade in seafood. In a statement, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said global trade in shark commodities—including meat, fins, skin, cartilage and liver—was nearing $1 billion yearly. Shark meat is an important part of the diet in many developing countries, with the meat of some species also highly valued in some developed countries, FAO said. MWW Philippines said about 200 species of sharks and rays could possibly be found in Philippine waters, adding that there were 110 such species confirmed to be present in the country.

Domingo, R. (2016, April 24). Fisheries experts seeking balance between sharks, seafood trade. Manila Bulletin, p. A14.