Tope shark, Soupfin shark, School shark
Tope is a large, slender shark with a streamlined body, long pointed snout and wide mouth. It has a grey to grey-brown upper body with a much paler underside and can grow to almost two metres in length. Its strong, streamlined shape makes it a powerful swimmer capable of travelling considerable distances.
Tope is a highly migratory species found in temperate waters around the world. In the northeast Atlantic, its range includes the waters around Britain and Ireland, extending from northern European waters into the Mediterranean and south towards northwest Africa.
It can be found in shallow bays as well as offshore waters and is predominantly encountered close to the seabed. Tope undertake extensive seasonal migrations, moving between coastal and deeper waters and travelling considerable distances across their range.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Tope is a highly vulnerable shark species that has been heavily exploited historically. It grows slowly, matures late and produces relatively few young, making populations particularly susceptible to overfishing. Stock information in the northeast Atlantic remains limited, and continued fishing mortality is a concern.
Best Choice: Tope is not currently considered a sustainable seafood choice. Direct targeting is prohibited in UK and European waters, and the species should be avoided for consumption.
Avoid: All tope, regardless of fishing method or origin, unless future stock assessments and management advice demonstrate that a sustainable fishery has been established.
Culinary Uses
Tope has historically been consumed in several countries and has been valued for its firm flesh.
It is also known as soupfin shark because of the historical demand for its fins.
However, due to its conservation status and vulnerability to fishing pressure, tope should not currently be chosen as a seafood option.
Best Fishing Practices
Direct commercial targeting of tope is prohibited in European waters, although individuals can still be caught accidentally as bycatch in other fisheries.
In England, recreational anglers catching tope from a boat must return them to the sea, and it is illegal to harm these fish. Commercial catches are also subject to strict restrictions.
Careful handling and prompt release of accidentally caught tope can help improve survival, while accurate recording of catches provides valuable information for monitoring populations.
Seasonality
Tope are highly migratory, and their presence in particular waters changes throughout the year. Seasonal movements are influenced by factors including water temperature, feeding and reproduction.
As tope is not recommended for consumption, seasonality should not be used as a guide for choosing this species as seafood.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
Tope highlights an important part of sustainable seafood choices: not every species should be eaten simply because it can occasionally be legally landed.
Its slow growth, late maturity and low reproductive rate make it particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. Avoiding tope and choosing healthier, responsibly managed alternatives helps reduce pressure on this important shark species and supports its long-term recovery.
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