Houndsharks, particularly smoothhounds not elsewhere included (NEI), are medium-sized, bottom-dwelling sharks belonging to the family Triakidae, commonly found in temperate and subtropical coastal waters. These sharks are characterized by their slender bodies, smooth skin, and a diet primarily consisting of crustaceans and small fish. The global fishing industry targets smoothhounds mainly for their meat, which is valued in local and export markets, especially in Europe and Asia. The top fishing countries for smoothhounds NEI include Argentina, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Italy, with significant landings also reported from Morocco and other Mediterranean and South American nations. These countries utilize both artisanal and industrial fishing methods, with smoothhounds often caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. The increasing demand for their flesh, often marketed as "rock salmon" or "gummy shark," has raised concerns about overfishing and the sustainability of their populations, prompting some regions to implement stricter management measures.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cyprus | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.