North Pacific Spiny Dogfish
(Squalus suckleyi)
Other Names
Northern shark, Dogfish, Piked dogfish, Spotted dogfish, Spurdog, Sand shark, Mud shark
About
The spiny dogfish belongs to the family Squalidae. In 2010, the species name Squalus
suckleyi was adopted as the new taxonomic name for the species in the North Pacific due
its significant morphological and genetic differences to its cousin found in other temperate
oceans around the world, Squalus acanthias. One of the areas of peak abundance is off
Canada’s Pacific Coast in British Columbia (BC). The species resides from the surface to a
depth of 730 metres (2,400 feet). The average adult length is between 75 to 105 cm (30-40
inches), though lengths up to 130 cm (50 inches) have been recorded. Minimum market
size is 66 cm (26 inches).
Stock Status
North Pacific spiny dogfish populations in BC waters are healthy, and current harvest rates
are well below the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and considered sustainable (DFO - Fisheries
Management). The BC coastwide TAC for dogfish is 14,000 metric tonnes (m.t.), with 9,520 m.t.
being accessible to the Hook & Line (longline) sector and 4,480 m.t. by the trawl sector.
Sustainability and Management
•• The fishery is managed within the precautionary framework of the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
•• Independent evaluation against the MSC standard finds that the fishery is wellmanaged, stocks are stable and impacts on the marine ecosystem are acceptable
•• Stocks were assessed using the highly precautionary approach of the MSC ‘RiskBased Framework’ to make up for uncertainties in biomass size
•• 100% monitoring on board and at landing sites record all fishing activities
•• Bottom long lines are used selectively, resulting in low by-catches and no irreversible
damage to the seabed
•• Catches are landed whole with fins attached and are used 100% in processing
•• Fishery is committed to enhanced scientific research and to work with stakeholders
in British Columbia on improvement actions, as requested by the certifier
News Release - September 13, 2011
World’s first spiny dogfish fishery receives MSC certification for sustainable fishing
(Seattle, WA) The British Columbia, Canada spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) fishery has received
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification as a sustainable fishery following an independent,
scientific assessment conducted by an accredited certification body, Moody Marine Limited. This
means that the independent scientific assessment team concluded that the fishery met the MSC’s
global standard for sustainable fisheries which includes healthy fish stocks, minimal ecosystem
impacts, and an effective fisheries management system. The fishery was entered into assessment
by the BC Dogfish Hook & Line Industry Association, an organization representing more than 90%
of the vessels fishing dogfish and all processors that convert the fish into market ready products. Life History
The spiny dogfish is a small schooling shark that forms groups of hundreds or thousands of individuals. The species has
dorsal spines, no anal fin, a grey/white belly and white spots along its grey/brown back. As with most sharks, the tail fin
is asymmetrical with a large upper lobe.
The spiny dogfish is an opportunistic feeder eating whatever prey is abundant. In general, their diet is comprised of
small fishes such as sardines, cod, pollock, hake, herring, and ratfish. They also eat invertebrates such as krill, crabs,
polychaete worms, jellyfish, ctenophores, amphipods, squid and octopus.
Products and Product Value
The wholesale value of spiny dogfish averages about $6 million a year, derived from an annual average harvest of
about 3,000 m.t. Spiny dogfish main products are backs (backbone in) and belly flaps (skinless/boneless). Other food
products are fins and tails, with organic liquid fertilizer and dried cartilage being produced from the balance of the fish.
Packaging
Backs
Medium
Large
5kg or 12.7 kg/28 lb cartons
12.7 kg/28 lb cartons
Jumbo
12.7 kg/28 lb cartons
Flaps
Medium
15kg/33 lb cartons
Large
15kg/33 lb cartons
Trimmings 15kg/33 lb cartons
Fins
10kg/22 lb cartons
Tails
10kg/22 lb cartons
Markets
Spiny dogfish is exported mainly to
European and Asian countries.