March 26, 2007: Shark sliced on dock

[Aliantha]

I can't believe anyone would kill a whale shark. This is just disgusting to me although I know others don't have a problem with it.

Whale sharks are common in our northern waters. They wouldn't be killed by Australian fishermen because there's no market for that sort of flesh.

One of the most common sorts of shark flesh found in fish and chip shops here is Mako. I don't like shark meat which is usually sold as 'flake'. I wouldn't say the texture is like that or swordfish, although it's probably better for pregnant women than swordfish.

[bluesdave]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

I don't like shark meat which is usually sold as 'flake'.

That's an old myth that unfortunately is still common here. All species of shark are threatened, and few are caught (deliberately), commercially these days. I am not saying sharks are not caught in nets, they are. I am saying that the market for fish flesh does not make shark viable (generally), these days.

I have heard (and I cannot cite proof), that very often when we buy fish from the supermarket with a fancy name, it is usually some form of common fish (like Mekong Catfish - that is sold under hundreds of pseudonyms).

[Aliantha]

Originally Posted by bluesdave

That's an old myth that unfortunately is still common here. All species of shark are threatened, and few are caught (deliberately), commercially these days. I am not saying sharks are not caught in nets, they are. I am saying that the market for fish flesh does not make shark viable (generally), these days.

I have heard (and I cannot cite proof), that very often when we buy fish from the supermarket with a fancy name, it is usually some form of common fish (like Mekong Catfish - that is sold under hundreds of pseudonyms).

Which part of what I said is a myth Dave? Local fish and chip shops in my area still have 'flake' on the menu. I agree that sharks are endangered, particularly the grey nurse. Almost extinct.

That particular catfish is usually labled as bassa and sometimes even nile perch.

[bluesdave]

I have not seen flake in a fish shop in Sydney for probably more than 30 years. I am surprised that they still sell it in Brisbane. Are you sure you are not confusing flake with hake (a fish caught around New Zealand, and often sold as generic fish)?

Today Tonight on Channel 7 last year did a story on fish, and they talked to a marine biologist and also had laboratory tests done, and they named the Mekong Catfish, as one of the most commonly sold fish, and that it was marketed under many names - not only two. They also mentioned other species of fish which are also sold with exotic names.