Bluntnose six-gill shark  (Hexanchus griseus)

The bluntnose six-gill shark is fished commercially and as a game fish throughout its range (3). However, the species seems unable to sustain target fisheries and is more usually taken as bycatch (1). The flesh is sold fresh, frozen and dried-salted for consumption, and is also utilised for oil and fishmeal (5). In parts of its range, including the Northeast Pacific, regional populations have depleted so much from fishing that they would be better classified as Vulnerable (A1bd+2bd) (1). Because of their relatively low reproductive rate these sharks are slow to rebound if over fished (2).

As the bluntnose six-gill shark is relatively widespread and abundant, there is no legislation against the commercial fishing of this species. There are, however, new regulations being enacted prohibiting the recreational killing of these sharks in some areas of its range (2). The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have been working on an International Plan of Action for the conservation and management of sharks throughout the world (IPOA-SHARKS) (6), but the lack of sufficient population data on these sharks makes developing appropriate conservation management plans extremely difficult. Furthermore, being mainly deepwater sharks with shy demeanours, opportunities to study live specimens are rare (2). Thus, data on population numbers and distribution is urgently needed to enable this reclusive shark to be effectively monitored and protected.