Top Portuguese Dogfish Fishing Countries

The Portuguese dogfish (*Centroscymnus coelolepis*) is a deep-sea shark species found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, typically inhabiting depths between 400 and 2,000 meters. Characterized by its robust, dark body and large eyes adapted to low-light environments, this species is primarily targeted for its liver oil and meat. The main countries involved in the commercial harvest of Portuguese dogfish are Portugal, Spain, and France, with significant landings also reported from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. These nations operate deepwater trawl and longline fisheries, often in the Northeast Atlantic, where the species is most abundant. The Portuguese dogfish is valued in some markets for its flesh, which is used in traditional dishes, and its liver, which is processed for oil. Due to its slow growth and low reproductive rate, the species is vulnerable to overfishing, leading to concerns about the sustainability of current fishing practices and prompting management efforts in several regions.

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