Shark fishing in Kesennuma, Japan - in pictures

Longline fishing boats docked at Kesennuma Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Fishermen seen through nets attached to the boats. The nets prevent birds from raiding the catch Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

A catch of swordfish arrives at Kesennuma to be cleaned and sold Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Sharks with their hearts and fins removed are lined up to be sold at auction Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Sharks with fins removed are piled high in preparation for sale Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

A worker at Kesennuma removes a shark's fin Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Swordfish are inspected at Kesennuma before being sold Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Packets of shark fin noodle soup on sale at the fish market in Kesennuma Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

Shark hearts for sale in the fish market at Kesennuma. Japan's shark industry uses every part of the animal Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

The Rias shark museum in Kesennuma Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert

A plastic replica of shark fin ramen noodles in the window of a seafood restaurant near the Rias shark museum in Kesennuma. The real dish costs around £17
Photograph: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert