Shark Working Group

Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) --- North Pacific

◊ Biological Profile

Blue shark is an epi- and mesopelagic shark species with a circumglobal distribution in the major oceans. It is the most widely distributed and most abundant oceanic pelagic shark. Blue shark ranges from about 50°S to 60°N.

Blue shark abundance increases with latitude in both hemispheres, reflecting preference for temperatures around 12-20°C. As a result, blue sharks are abundant near-surface in temperate waters but deeper-dwelling and less abundant in the tropics.

North Pacific blue sharks are highly migratory with complex movement patterns and spatial structure related to reproduction and the distribution of prey. Seasonal shifts to higher latitudes associated with oceanic convergence or highly productive boundary zones also occur. Their diet consists primarily of squids and small pelagic fishes.

Distribution for blue shark
in the North Pacific Ocean.

Life span: About 16 years
Maximum size: About 380 cm total length (TL)
Start of maturity: Age 4-7 years
Reproductive cycle: 1-2 years
Reproductive mode: Placental viviparity; gestation period 9-12 months
Parturition season:Variable, spring to fall
Litter size: averages about 25-30 pups
Size at birth: 35-50 cm TL

◊ Fisheries for Blue Shark in the North Pacific Ocean

Blue sharks are caught in large numbers in the North Pacific Ocean by longline, gillnet, recreational, and artisanal fisheries. Although considered bycatch and discarded at sea by many pelagic fleets, they are retained for human consumption, fish oil, leather and animal feed in several countries.

◊ Stock Status and Conservation Information

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