The black dogfish (*Centroscyllium fabricii*) is a deep-sea shark species found primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean, recognized for its dark coloration and relatively small size, typically reaching up to one meter in length. This species inhabits depths ranging from 200 to over 2,000 meters and is often caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries targeting other species such as Greenland halibut and redfish. The top countries involved in black dogfish fishing are Canada, Iceland, and, to a lesser extent, Norway and Greenland. In Canada, particularly off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, black dogfish are landed both as bycatch and in directed deepwater trawl fisheries. Iceland also records significant landings, with the species utilized for fishmeal and oil production. While the black dogfish is not a primary target species, its commercial value is mostly derived from its liver oil, which is rich in squalene, as well as its use in processed fish products. The fishing industry for black dogfish is closely monitored due to concerns about the vulnerability of deep-sea sharks to overfishing, given their slow growth and low reproductive rates.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.