The blacknose shark (*Carcharhinus acronotus*) is a small coastal shark found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, from the southeastern United States through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, down to southern Brazil. Recognizable by the distinctive black spot on its snout, this species inhabits shallow coastal waters and is often caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries targeting other species. The top countries involved in blacknose shark fishing are the United States, particularly in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions, and Brazil, where the species is harvested both for its meat and fins. In the U.S., blacknose sharks are managed under federal regulations due to concerns about declining populations, while in Brazil, they are commonly caught in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries. Both countries play a significant role in the global catch, with ongoing efforts to monitor and manage harvests to ensure the sustainability of blacknose shark populations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 260 |
2 | United States of America | 6 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.