The dusky shark (*Carcharhinus obscurus*) is a large, slow-growing species found in warm-temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, recognized by its robust body and dusky-tipped fins. Highly valued for its fins, meat, and liver oil, the dusky shark is a frequent target of commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top dusky shark fishing countries include Spain, Taiwan, and the United States, particularly in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. Spain and Taiwan are major players in the global shark fin trade, often sourcing dusky sharks as bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries, while the United States, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic, has historically harvested dusky sharks for their meat and fins. Due to intense fishing pressure and slow reproductive rates, the dusky shark population has suffered significant declines, leading to increased regulation and conservation efforts in recent years, especially in the U.S., where strict quotas and prohibitions on retention have been implemented.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.