Chimaeras, often referred to as "ghost sharks," are cartilaginous fishes related to sharks and rays, inhabiting deep-sea environments across the world's oceans. The category "Chimaeras, etc. not elsewhere included" encompasses several species within the order Chimaeriformes that are not classified under more specific fishery categories. These elusive, deep-water species are primarily targeted for their liver oil, which is rich in squalene, as well as for their meat and, in some cases, for scientific research. The leading countries engaged in the commercial harvest of chimaeras include New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Japan, with New Zealand being particularly prominent due to its well-developed deep-sea trawl fisheries. These fisheries often catch chimaeras as bycatch in trawls targeting other deep-water species such as hoki and orange roughy. While the global catch of chimaeras is relatively small compared to more commercially valuable fish, their unique biology and vulnerability to overfishing have prompted increasing attention to sustainable management practices in the countries that harvest them.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 108 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.