Top Dogfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Dogfishes, a group of small to medium-sized sharks primarily in the family Squalidae, are widely distributed in temperate and subarctic waters around the world. Notably, the “Top Dogfishes Not Elsewhere Included” refers to various lesser-known dogfish species outside the commonly targeted spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). These species are valued for their meat, fins, and liver oil, and are often caught as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries. Major fishing countries harvesting these dogfishes include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, and New Zealand, where they are processed for both domestic consumption and export. The fishing industry for dogfishes is significant in these countries due to the species’ resilience and market demand, though concerns over overfishing have led to increased management and conservation efforts in recent years.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Ireland8
2South Africa2
3Cyprus1

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.