Download FAR 2014/68 Estimation of fin ratios and dressed weight conversion factors for selected shark species

The New Zealand Government introduced a shark finning ban for all shark species on 1 October 2014. Implementation of the ban requires accurate knowledge of the ratio of the weight of a shark's fins to its whole weight. This study estimates wet fin ratios for all QMS shark species for which there are suitable data. It also reviews dressed weight conversion factors for dark and pale ghost sharks using historical and new data collected by observers aboard commercial fishing vessels.