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)
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