The blackbelly lanternshark (Etmopterus lucifer) is a small, deep-sea shark species known for its bioluminescent organs, which help it camouflage in the dark ocean depths. Found in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific, this shark typically inhabits depths between 150 and 1,250 meters. The blackbelly lanternshark is not a primary target for fisheries but is often caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries, especially those targeting other deep-water species such as grenadiers and deep-sea sharks. The main countries involved in harvesting blackbelly lanternsharks include Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, particularly through their deep-sea fishing fleets operating in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The species is sometimes landed for fishmeal, oil, or local consumption, but its economic significance remains relatively minor compared to other commercial fish. Nonetheless, the incidental catch and lack of specific management measures have raised concerns about the sustainability of deep-sea shark populations, including the blackbelly lanternshark.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 40 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.