Top Oceanic Whitetip Shark Fishing Countries

The Oceanic Whitetip Shark (*Carcharhinus longimanus*) is a large pelagic shark recognized by its long, rounded fins tipped with white, inhabiting tropical and subtropical open oceans worldwide. Historically abundant, this species has faced severe population declines due to targeted fishing and bycatch, primarily for its fins, which are highly valued in the international shark fin trade. The main countries involved in harvesting Oceanic Whitetip Sharks include Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, and several West African nations such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. These countries operate large-scale commercial and artisanal fisheries that either directly target or incidentally catch Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, often as part of longline tuna and swordfish fisheries. Due to heavy exploitation and slow reproductive rates, the Oceanic Whitetip Shark is now classified as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN, leading to increasing international regulation and conservation efforts, including catch bans in some regions and listing on CITES Appendix II.

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