Fisheries Infosite

Porbeagle Shark 1 - 10 (Combined) (POS1)
Scientific name
Lamna nasus

Physical characteristics

The Porbeagle shark has a stocky body type and is blue-grey on top and white underneath. They are distinguishable by the presence of a small secondary keel on the tail, and a white patch on the dorsal fin. The Porbeagle grows to a maximum length of 230 cm, but most adult sharks are 150-200 cm.

Life cycle

Porbeagle sharks are believed to have a maximum ages of up to 65 years old. Females reach sexual maturity at 15-18 years of age and at a length of 180 cm. Males reach maturity at 8-11 years of age and a length of 140 cm. Reproduction is a one year cycle with a gestation period of 8-9 months.

Habitat

Porbeagle sharks are only occasionally found inshore. They live in open oceans in cool temperate waters such as the North Atlantic at depths up to 370 m in waters that can reach thousands of meters in depth. They are active pelagic predators that feed on fish and cephalopods.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes) 1.01
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