Top Smooth Hound Fishing Countries

The top smooth-hound (Mustelus spp.) is a group of small to medium-sized sharks found in temperate and subtropical waters, recognized for their slender bodies and smooth, non-rough skin. These sharks are primarily targeted for their mild-flavored flesh, often marketed as "rock salmon" or "flake" in fish markets, and are also valued for their fins in some regions. The main countries involved in the harvesting of top smooth-hound species include Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Italy, where they are caught both as a targeted species and as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. Spain, in particular, is a major player in the smooth-hound fishery, with significant landings from the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. The UK also has a long history of smooth-hound fishing, especially in the North Sea and around the British Isles, where the species supports both commercial and recreational fisheries. While these fisheries provide economic benefits, concerns about overfishing and population declines have led to increased management measures and catch restrictions in recent years.

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