The narrownose smooth-hound (Mustelus schmitti) is a small species of houndshark found primarily in the southwestern Atlantic, particularly along the coasts of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Characterized by its slender body and narrow snout, this shark inhabits shallow coastal waters and is a common target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. Argentina is the leading country in harvesting narrownose smooth-hound, where it is caught mainly for its meat and, to a lesser extent, for its fins. Uruguay and Brazil also contribute to the catch, though on a smaller scale. The species is typically caught using bottom trawls and gillnets, and its populations are considered vulnerable due to intensive fishing pressure and limited reproductive rates. As a result, the fishing industry in these countries is increasingly subject to management measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of narrownose smooth-hound stocks.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Argentina | 2,819 |
2 | Uruguay | 109 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.