The dwarf sperm whale (*Kogia sima*) is a small, elusive cetacean found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, recognized for its compact body, blunt head, and unique ability to release a cloud of reddish-brown intestinal fluid when threatened. Unlike many commercial fish species, the dwarf sperm whale is not a primary target of large-scale fisheries; instead, it is sometimes caught incidentally as bycatch in gillnets, trawl nets, and other fishing gear. Historically, some countries such as Japan and Indonesia have been known to occasionally hunt small cetaceans, including the dwarf sperm whale, for local consumption or traditional uses, but there is no significant, organized fishery targeting this species. Most countries, including those with major fishing industries like the United States, Australia, and various Southeast Asian nations, primarily encounter dwarf sperm whales accidentally rather than through directed fishing efforts. Conservation concerns have led to protective measures in many regions, and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) prohibits commercial whaling of this and related species.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.