Top Longnose Spurdog Fishing Countries

The longnose spurdog (Squalus blainville), a small deepwater dogfish shark, is recognized by its elongated snout and two dorsal fin spines. Found in temperate and subtropical waters of the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, this species inhabits continental slopes at depths typically between 100 and 800 meters. The longnose spurdog is primarily targeted as bycatch in mixed deepwater trawl and longline fisheries, with its flesh and liver oil valued in some markets. The top fishing countries harvesting the longnose spurdog include Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, especially in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic regions, where deepwater fisheries are well-developed. These countries’ fleets often land spurdogs alongside other deepwater sharks and bony fishes, with landings reported to regional fishery management organizations. However, due to concerns about overexploitation and the species’ slow reproductive rate, several countries have implemented management measures to limit catches and protect vulnerable deepwater shark populations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.