The Longnose Velvet Dogfish (*Centroscymnus crepidater*) is a deep-sea shark species found in temperate and subtropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting depths between 270 and 1,500 meters. Characterized by its elongated snout and velvety skin, it is a member of the sleeper shark family and is valued primarily for its liver oil and, to a lesser extent, its flesh. The main countries involved in the commercial harvest of Longnose Velvet Dogfish are Spain, Portugal, and New Zealand, with these nations operating deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries targeting various deepwater sharks, including this species. Spain and Portugal, in particular, have a long history of deep-sea fishing in the Northeast Atlantic, while New Zealand manages fisheries in the South Pacific. The species is often caught as bycatch in mixed deepwater fisheries, and concerns about the sustainability of deep-sea shark populations have led to increased regulation and monitoring in recent years.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 29 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.