Meetings logo
Meetings

    A review of the Somniousus (sleeper shark) subgenus and a risk assessment of the sleeper shark by-catch caught in Australian
    sub-Antarctic fisheries

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    WG-FSA-03/69
    Author(s):
    E.M. van Wijk, R. Williams and J.D. Stevens (Australia)
    Accessibility Categories
    Request permission to release each time (RP)
    Agenda Item(s)
    WG-FSA-03 - - undefined
    Abstract

    This review paper summarises available information on the Somniosus (sleeper shark) subgenus, comprising three species; S. microcephalus, S. pacificus and S. antarcticus. Taxonomy, distribution, life history, biological characteristics and exploitation by fisheries is discussed. Somniosus antarcticus is caught as by-catch in Australian subantarctic fisheries at Heard and McDonald Islands (Division 58.5.2) and Macquarie Island. Based on present by-catch rates, a risk assessment for this species concluded that there is unlikely to be a serious risk to the stock. A tagging program and continued monitoring of by-catch of this species is ongoing.