The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a medium-sized, slender shark distinguished by the prominent black tips on its fins and commonly inhabits shallow, warm coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species is highly valued in local artisanal fisheries for its meat, fins, and sometimes for recreational catch-and-release fishing. The top countries involved in blacktip reef shark fishing include Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, where small-scale fisheries often target these sharks for local consumption and trade. In these nations, blacktip reef sharks are frequently caught using gillnets, longlines, and handlines, both intentionally and as bycatch. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to population declines in some areas, prompting increased conservation attention and management measures in several countries to ensure the sustainability of this iconic coastal predator.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.