Requiem sharks, belonging to the family Carcharhinidae, are a diverse group of medium to large predatory sharks that include species such as the blacktip, spinner, and bull sharks. These sharks are widely distributed in tropical and warm-temperate waters worldwide and are highly valued for their meat, fins, and other products. The top requiem shark fishing countries, not elsewhere included in more specific species categories, are primarily located in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, with Indonesia, India, and Taiwan being among the largest harvesters. These nations have significant artisanal and commercial shark fisheries, often driven by demand for shark fins in international markets and local consumption of shark meat. The fishing industry targeting requiem sharks is often characterized by a lack of species-specific management, leading to concerns about overfishing and population declines. Despite growing awareness and some regulatory measures, requiem sharks remain vulnerable due to their slow reproductive rates and high exploitation levels in these top fishing countries.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Indonesia | 10,495 |
2 | Pakistan | 4,023 |
3 | Benin | 1,070 |
4 | Mexico | 498 |
5 | Congo | 217 |
6 | Djibouti | 176 |
7 | Saudi Arabia | 43 |
8 | Bahrain | 15 |
8 | Eritrea | 15 |
10 | Côte d'Ivoire | 5 |
10 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 5 |
12 | Spain | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.