Spiny Dogfish Squalus acanthias
The Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) – also known as the Spurdog – is a slender, schooling shark of cool, offshore waters, once one of the most abundant sharks in the North Sea. Heavily targeted by commercial fisheries, populations collapsed catastrophically, and the species is now classified as critically endangered in the north-east Atlantic. A partial recovery has been noted following strict catch limits. Spiny dogfish are occasionally encountered in Suffolk's offshore waters, and historical records from the county reflect their former abundance. Their slow reproduction – with pregnancies lasting nearly two years – makes recovery from overfishing exceptionally slow, and continued protection is essential. Image: © Guido Schmitz, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre
Suffolk’s Priority Marine Life Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
