The draughtsboard shark (*Cephaloscyllium isabellum*), also known as the carpet shark or swellshark, is a species of catshark native to the temperate coastal waters of New Zealand. Recognizable by its distinctive blotched pattern and ability to inflate its body when threatened, this bottom-dwelling shark inhabits rocky reefs and sandy areas from shallow bays to depths of around 200 meters. The draughtsboard shark is not a major target of commercial fisheries, but it is occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl and set-net fisheries, with New Zealand being the primary country where this species is harvested. While not a significant contributor to the global shark fishing industry, the draughtsboard shark is locally utilized for fishmeal and, to a lesser extent, for human consumption. New Zealand's fisheries management has implemented measures to monitor and regulate the catch of this and other non-target species to ensure the sustainability of its marine resources.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 13 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.