Dogfish sharks, commonly referred to as "Top Dogfish Sharks, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics, encompass several small to medium-sized shark species within the family Squalidae, such as the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). These sharks are widely distributed in temperate and subarctic waters around the world and are valued for their meat, which is used in products like "rock salmon" in the UK and as a component in fish and chips. The leading countries harvesting dogfish sharks include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, with significant fisheries also present in New Zealand and Japan. The fishing industry for dogfish has historically been driven by both domestic consumption and export markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. However, concerns over overfishing and slow reproductive rates have led to stricter management measures in many regions to ensure sustainable populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | 18 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.