The whitenose shark (*Nasolamia velox*) is a relatively small, slender requiem shark found in the warm coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, ranging from southern California to Peru. Characterized by its pointed snout and distinctive white markings around the nose, this species inhabits shallow continental shelves and is often caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries. The top countries involved in harvesting the whitenose shark are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species primarily for its meat and fins, which are sold in local markets and sometimes exported. While not a primary target species, the whitenose shark faces pressure from overfishing and habitat degradation, prompting concerns about its conservation status in these regions. The fishing industry in these countries relies heavily on multi-species catches, and the whitenose shark often ends up in gillnets and longlines intended for more commercially valuable fish, making sustainable management a challenge.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.