3.1

The Sailfin Roughshark (Oxynotus paradoxus) is an uncommon deepwater bottom shark found at depths from 265–720 m. The species reaches a maximum reported size of up to 118 cm total length. Moderately abundant in deeper offshore waters off the British Isles. The species is probably taken as bycatch of offshore trawling fleets but no information is available on frequency. The species’ known depth range is entirely within the range of deepwater fisheries operating in the Northeast Atlantic, although the Mid-Atlantic ridge and southern part of its range probably offer some refuge from fishing pressure. Furthermore, it is possible that the Sailfin Roughshark is continuously distributed along the northeast and eastern central Atlantic floor, deeper than presently known. Alternatively, separate slope and ridge populations may exist. Given the paucity of information available on this species it is assessed as Data Deficient. Research is needed to better define the distribution, population structure and the impact of fisheries on the species.