So, it is no surprise that sharks are contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury. I mean they (generally) occupy the top of the food chain, they are long-lived, and they feed on other marine animals that also accumulate contaminants. But there is more...
A recent study by Mondo et al that can be found here suggests that there is more to this story. Specifically, these researchers have found that a cyanobacterial neurotoxin also accumulates in shark tissue (including shark fins). This finding is interesting because this particular neurotoxin is under considerable investigation for its role in human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Food for thought!
Here is a link to the story as it appeared in the NY Times this past summer:
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/shark-fins-are-loaded-with-a-neurotoxin-study-finds/
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