UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Deep-sea sharks are among the most vulnerable components of marine biodiversity due to their slow life-history traits and increasing exposure to fisheries impacts. This study documents the incidental capture, local exploitation, and conservation implications of the Vulnerable Gulper Shark (Centrophorus granulosus Bloch & Schneider, 1801) in the Mediterranean waters of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Data were collected through field surveys at fish landing sites and markets, complemented by semi-structured interviews with fishermen, fish traders, and fisheries officials. Results confirm that the species is rarely encountered in the Gaza Strip fisheries and occurs exclusively as incidental bycatch, primarily associated with bottom longlines, trammel nets, and bottom-set gillnets operating in offshore fishing grounds. Recorded individuals ranged mostly between 60–100 cm total length and were estimated at 2–10 kg in weight. No evidence of targeted fishing was observed. Captured specimens were generally retained and marketed locally for human consumption, with occasional use in traditional dishes such as “Sayadieh.” Estimated annual bycatch (10–15 individuals) suggests low but continuous fishing pressure. Interviews revealed limited awareness among fishermen regarding the species’ conservation status, despite institutional recognition of its IUCN Vulnerable classification. The study highlights the ecological significance of fisheries-dependent data in documenting rare deep-sea species in data-poor regions and underscores the conservation concern posed by even low levels of bycatch given the species’ low reproductive capacity and slow population recovery. Strengthened monitoring, bycatch reporting, and awareness programs are urgently needed to support the conservation of deep-sea elasmobranchs in the southeastern Mediterranean.