Exploratory analysis of blue shark catches, Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Spanish Mediterranean waters

This study analyses information on blue shark catches from the longline fleet operating in Spanish Mediterranean waters. Data from observers and logbooks have been used to provide an exploratory analysis of the main factors associated with such catches. Catch per Unit of Effort (CPUE) has been calculated as the number of individuals caught per thousand hooks. Differences in catches and CPUEs have been observed for the different types of longline used, as well as spatio-temporal patterns. In addition, basic biological information on the BSH caught is provided. Further analysis can provide more accurate information on important aspects such as inter- and intra-annual variation in catches and identification of potential areas of higher concentration of catches of BSH.