Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2009
Field surveys and literature review revealed the capture of 50 bluntnose sixgill sharks from the Sea of Marmara. Total lengths of the observed specimens ranged from 1.2–6 m, and weighed between 10 and 1000 kg. Nine specimens were males, 23 were females and 18 were of unknown sex. Regarding the bathymetric distribution of the captured bluntnose sixgill sharks, majority of the specimens (78%) were recorded in slope and shelf waters of the eastern and northern Sea of Marmara. Fishing presents the only known proximate threat to bluntnose sixgill shark populations in Marmaric waters. Inclusion of Hexanchus griseus in the endangered marine fish list of the Turkish Fisheries Act, would be the first step before subjecting H. griseus to 100% protection.