The scoophead (Sphyrna media) is a small species of hammerhead shark found in the coastal waters of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, particularly around Central and South America. Characterized by its broad, flattened head and moderate size, the scoophead is primarily targeted as bycatch in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries rather than through dedicated industrial harvest. The top scoophead fishing countries include Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil, where these sharks are caught for their meat and fins, often alongside other hammerhead species. In these regions, scoophead populations have faced pressure from overfishing, leading to concerns about their conservation status and the sustainability of local shark fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.