The Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus), known for its menacing appearance with protruding, needle-like teeth, is a coastal species found in temperate and subtropical waters worldwide. Despite its fearsome look, it is generally not aggressive toward humans. The Sand Tiger Shark has been heavily targeted for its fins, meat, and as a display species for aquariums. Historically, the top countries involved in Sand Tiger Shark fishing include the United States (particularly along the Atlantic coast), Australia, South Africa, and Japan. In these regions, the species has faced significant population declines due to overfishing, both as a direct target and as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Strict regulations and conservation measures have since been introduced in many of these countries, with Australia and the U.S. now enforcing strong protections, while some fishing pressure persists in parts of Asia and Africa. The international trade in Sand Tiger Shark products is now closely monitored under CITES Appendix II, reflecting growing concern for the species’ survival.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Lucia | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.