Abstract

The Longnose Spurdog (Squalus blainville Risso, 1827) is a demersal shark widely distributed across the Mediterranean Sea, yet its occurrence and fisheries interactions remain poorly documented in several southeastern regions. This study investigates the occurrence, incidental capture, exploitation, and conservation relevance of this species in the Mediterranean waters of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Data were collected through repeated field surveys at major fish landing sites and markets, complemented by semi-structured interviews with fishermen and fisheries officials. Morphological identification confirmed the presence of the species in local fisheries landings, where it was recorded as an occasional and irregular bycatch species. The estimated annual catch ranged between 20-30 individuals, primarily captured using bottom longlines, trammel nets, and bottom-set gillnets. Specimens measured approximately 50-95 cm in total length and were typically retained for local consumption and occasional market sale, although the species holds low to moderate economic value. The findings indicate that the Longnose Spurdog inhabits deeper offshore demersal habitats beyond the coastal fishing zone and is not targeted by local fisheries. Conservation awareness among fishermen was generally limited, and no species-specific management measures are currently implemented in the study area. This study highlights the importance of fisheries-dependent data and local ecological knowledge for documenting poorly known elasmobranch species in data-deficient regions and emphasizes the need for improved monitoring and conservation strategies in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea.

Keywords:Longnose Spurdog; Squalus blainville; Elasmobranchs; Incidental bycatch; Artisanal fisheries; Fishery-dependent data; Conservation; Local ecological knowledge; Mediterranean Sea; Gaza Strip; Palestine