Intensive exploitation of blue shark Prionace glauca and shortfin mako Isurus oxyrinchus: Analysis of the fisheries in the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean from 2001 to 2016

Blue shark (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) are species exploited by the Spanish and Portuguese longline fleet. They land sharks in the fish market at Vigo (Spain). The number of longliners decreased between 2004 and 2016 (less 15 boats). Landings of shortfin mako have decreased and those of blue shark increased between 2001 and 2016. In accordance with ICCAT informs, the blue shark stock is not overexploited. But it is for shortfin mako in the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean. The sharks landed in a fish market are mainly juvenile, the maturity age being late for both species. The authorities must establish measures to reduce fishing pressure.