Fisheries Infosite

Blue Shark 1 - 10 (Combined) (BWS1)
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