Top Thresher Sharks Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Thresher Shark (family Alopiidae) is a distinctive pelagic shark recognized by its exceptionally long, whip-like upper tail fin, which it uses to stun prey such as schooling fish. Thresher sharks inhabit temperate and tropical oceans worldwide and are valued both for their meat and fins. The category "Thresher Sharks Not Elsewhere Included" refers to fisheries data that do not specify the exact thresher species but group them together. The top fishing countries for thresher sharks in this category include Indonesia, Taiwan, Spain, and Sri Lanka. These nations have significant pelagic longline and gillnet fisheries targeting thresher sharks, often as part of mixed-species shark catches. The meat is consumed locally or exported, while fins are prized in the international shark fin trade. Overfishing and bycatch have led to population declines, prompting increased management and conservation efforts in some regions.

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