Hammerhead sharks, a distinctive group of sharks characterized by their flattened, hammer-shaped heads, are targeted in fisheries for their fins, meat, and liver oil. The category "Hammerhead Sharks Not Elsewhere Included" generally refers to species within the Sphyrnidae family that are not specifically identified in catch statistics, such as the scalloped, smooth, and great hammerhead sharks. Major fishing countries for these sharks include Indonesia, India, and Spain, which have historically reported some of the highest catches, often as part of mixed-species shark fisheries. In these countries, hammerhead sharks are typically caught as bycatch in longline, gillnet, and trawl fisheries targeting other species, but targeted fishing also occurs, especially for the lucrative fin trade. Overfishing and high demand for fins have led to significant declines in hammerhead populations, prompting international conservation measures such as CITES listings and regional fishing restrictions. Despite these efforts, enforcement and data collection remain challenging in many top fishing nations, complicating conservation and management of these iconic sharks.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Lucia | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.