Environment United States

‘Like selling wolves from Yellowstone’: how protected US sharks are being sold off to foreign aquariums

While anglers cannot take endangered sand tiger sharks, a loophole lets private firms catch the fish to sell abroad, profiting from Delaware Bay’s…

By The News Engine Desk Based on reporting by The Guardian

15 Oct 2026, 14:30 IST Updated 1 hour ago 1 min read 0 views

Image accompanying the story: ‘Like selling wolves from Yellowstone’: how protected US sharks are being sold off to foreign aquariums — Image: Photograph: Maya Young/The Guardian · via The Guardian

The Guardian reports: While anglers cannot take endangered sand tiger sharks, a loophole lets private firms catch the fish to sell abroad, profiting from Delaware Bay’s conservation success Shortly after 12.45pm, what remains of a 300-metre line goes taut.

Somewhere beneath the murky green surface of Delaware Bay, on the eastern US coast, a sand tiger shark has taken the bait of a mackerel chunk.

This environment story centres on the United States. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Yellowstone’, Delaware Bay and Shortly.

Why it matters

Environmental stories like this can have long-term consequences for ecosystems, communities and climate policy.

Key details

Location: United States · Americas
Reported by: The Guardian
First reported: 15 Oct 2026, 14:30 IST
Key names: Yellowstone’, Delaware Bay, Shortly, University of Delaware
Section: Environment
Figure cited: It is a large animal: 225cm (7ft) long with a 90cm girth. (The Guardian)