Top Smalltail Shark Fishing Countries

The smalltail shark (*Carcharhinus porosus*) is a relatively small requiem shark found in shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic, particularly along the coasts of South and Central America. This species is characterized by its slender body, short snout, and distinctive small second dorsal fin. Smalltail sharks are primarily targeted for their meat, fins, and liver oil, and are often caught as bycatch in artisanal and commercial fisheries. The top countries engaged in smalltail shark fishing include Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana, where the species is a significant component of local shark catches. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to dramatic population declines, prompting the IUCN to list the smalltail shark as Critically Endangered. Despite this, fishing pressure remains high in these countries due to economic reliance on shark products and limited enforcement of fishing regulations.

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