The Top Slender Smooth Hound (*Mustelus mustelus*), also known as the common smooth-hound, is a medium-sized shark species found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for its slender, elongated body and smooth, gray skin, this species inhabits coastal waters and is often caught in trawl, gillnet, and longline fisheries. The primary countries engaged in harvesting the Top Slender Smooth Hound are Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Morocco, where the species is valued both for its meat and fins. In these regions, the fishing industry targets smooth-hounds as part of mixed-species fisheries, contributing to local economies and traditional diets. However, due to their slow reproductive rates and localized populations, overfishing has become a concern, prompting some countries to implement management measures to ensure sustainable harvests.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.