Fisheries Infosite

Blue Shark Extra Territorial (200 mile limit) (BWSET)
Maori name
Scientific name
Prionace glauca

Physical characteristics

Blue Shark are dark blue on top, grading to bright blue on the flanks with a white belly. They can grow to a maximum length of 380 cm.

Life cycle

Blue Shark have a maximum age of 22 years for males and 19 years for females. Maturity is reached at 190-195 cm lenth and 8 years for males, and 170-190 cm length and 7-9 years for females. They have a gestation period of 9-12 months and are thought to give birth in spring.

Habitat

Blue Shark are found in offshore waters throughout New Zealand at depths to 1000 m. They are a highly migratory species and feed on living and dead bony fishes, smaller sharks, squids, and carrion.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025