Longfin mako shark
The longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus) is a large, oceanic mackerel shark distinguished from the shortfin mako by its long pectoral fins.
Shortfin mako shark: The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a fast, oceanic shark with short pectoral fins. Its shorter pectoral fins distinguish it from the longfin mako.
Pelagic longline fishing: Pelagic longline fishing uses baited hooks on lines suspended in the open ocean. Longfin makos are caught incidentally by this widely used offshore fishing method.
Pelagic zone: The pelagic zone is the open-water habitat of seas and oceans, away from the shore and seabed. Longfin makos inhabit open-ocean waters rather than coastal habitats.
Shark population assessment: Shark population assessment estimates abundance, trends, and fishing impacts from biological and fisheries data. Sparse observations make reliable estimates for longfin makos difficult.
Mackerel sharks: Mackerel sharks are members of the order Lamniformes, including makos, great whites, and basking sharks. The longfin mako belongs to this shark order.
Shark bycatch: Shark bycatch is the unintended capture of sharks in fisheries targeting other species. Incidental captures are a major source of recorded mortality for longfin makos.
North Atlantic Ocean: The North Atlantic Ocean is the part of the Atlantic Ocean north of the equator. Records from this basin contribute to the species' known distribution.
Deep scattering layer: The deep scattering layer is a dense zone of marine organisms that reflects sonar, often migrating vertically each day. Its prey may occupy depths that complicate observation of the shark's feeding ecology.
Lamnidae: Lamnidae is the shark family containing makos, great white sharks, and porbeagles. This family places the longfin mako among closely related lamnid sharks.
IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List assesses species' extinction risk using standardized categories and criteria. Its assessment summarizes the longfin mako's conservation status and evidence.