The Bigeye Thresher (Alopias superciliosus) is a large, distinctive shark species recognized by its enormous eyes and long, whip-like upper tail fin, which it uses to stun prey. Preferring deep, offshore waters in tropical and temperate oceans, Bigeye Threshers are targeted primarily for their meat, fins, and liver oil. The leading countries involved in Bigeye Thresher fishing include Taiwan, Spain, Japan, and the United States, with significant catches also reported from Indonesia and Sri Lanka. These nations utilize both targeted and bycatch fisheries, often employing longlines and drift gillnets in pelagic waters. While the species is valued in international trade, overfishing and bycatch have led to population declines, prompting conservation concerns and regulatory measures in some regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Mexico | 482 |
2 | Ecuador | 298 |
3 | Brazil | 6 |
4 | Liberia | 5 |
4 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.