Top Pelagic Thresher Fishing Countries

The pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus) is a distinctive species of shark recognized by its elongated, whip-like tail, which it uses to stun prey in open ocean waters. This species is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, and is highly valued in commercial fisheries for its meat, fins, and liver oil. The top pelagic thresher fishing countries include Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, where both targeted and bycatch fisheries contribute to significant annual landings. These countries utilize a range of fishing methods, such as longlines, gillnets, and purse seines, often in multi-species fisheries. Due to high demand for shark fins and other products, these nations have become central to the global pelagic thresher trade, although concerns about overfishing and population declines have led to increased calls for management and conservation measures.

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