The bignose shark (*Carcharhinus altimus*) is a large, deepwater requiem shark characterized by its long, broad snout and robust body, typically inhabiting continental slopes and offshore waters of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Although not a primary target, bignose sharks are frequently caught as bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries, especially those targeting tuna and swordfish. The top countries involved in the capture of bignose sharks include India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and some West African nations, where their meat, fins, and liver oil are utilized locally or exported. Despite their relative rarity compared to other shark species, the bignose shark is vulnerable to overfishing due to its slow reproductive rate, and catch data are often underreported, complicating conservation efforts. The fishing industry in these countries is largely artisanal or semi-industrial, with bignose sharks contributing to both local consumption and the international fin trade.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberia | 12 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.