The dark ghost shark (Hydrolagus novaezealandiae), also known as the dark chimaera, is a deep-sea cartilaginous fish found primarily around New Zealand and southern Australia. Characterized by its elongated body, large eyes, and distinctive tapering tail, this species inhabits continental shelf and slope waters at depths of 200 to 1,200 meters. The primary countries involved in harvesting dark ghost sharks are New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, Australia. In New Zealand, the species is caught both as a targeted fishery and as bycatch in deepwater trawl fisheries, particularly those targeting hoki and other deep-sea species. The dark ghost shark is valued for its flesh and is sold domestically and internationally, often marketed as "ghost shark" or "silver trumpeter." New Zealand’s well-managed fisheries ensure that catch limits and monitoring are in place to maintain sustainable populations, making it the leading country in the commercial harvest of this unique deepwater species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 980 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.