The gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) is a small to medium-sized houndshark found primarily in the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia, including Tasmania, and occasionally around New Zealand. Known for its mild, boneless flesh marketed as "flake," the gummy shark is highly valued in the Australian seafood industry, especially for the popular dish of fish and chips. Australia is by far the leading country in the commercial harvest of gummy sharks, with a well-regulated fishery focused mainly in the waters off Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The fishery is managed through quotas, size limits, and gear restrictions to ensure sustainability. While New Zealand also records occasional catches of gummy sharks, its harvest is minimal compared to Australia. The species is not widely targeted outside of these regions, making Australia the dominant player in the global gummy shark fishing industry.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 2,714 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.