Please don't buy things made of shark skin.
"Populations of sharks and rays worldwide are under increasing pressures from unsustainable fisheries and dramatic declines of populations of coastal and pelagic species are being documented over relatively short time scales. Sharks and rays are mid level or apex predators that sit at or near the top of the food chain. These cartilaginous fish are vital components of healthy and functional marine ecosystems, playing key roles in structuring fish communities and fostering reef resilience . Sharks and rays may therefore be potent indicators of fishing pressure and in coral reef habitats, of high fish biomass and a functional ecosystem. Their populations, however, are in global decline due to strong fishing pressure, coupled with the K-selected life history characteristics of slow growth, late maturity, low fecundity and low population recovery rates that has left many species and populations vulnerable to overexploitation and in dire need of management. Belize still possesses much of the habitat considered essential for elasmobranchs, yet research results suggest that sharks in Belize are scarce where they were once abundant and are highly vulnerable to both direct threats from fishing and indirect threats from critical habitat transformation and pollution. ...." To read more
Status of sharks and rays.