Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna lewini
Protection Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
Scalloped hammerhead sharks are moderately large sharks with a global distribution. The most distinguishing characteristic of this shark is its "hammer-shaped" head. They are threatened by commercial fishing, mainly for the shark fin trade. Two distinct population segments of the scalloped hammerhead shark are listed as endangered and two are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting scalloped hammerhead sharks. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study and protect this species.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Chondrichthyes | Order | Carcharhiniformes | Family | Sphyrnidae | Genus | Sphyrna | Species | lewini |
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Featured News
In the Spotlight
Management Overview
Two distinct population segments of the scalloped hammerhead shark are listed as endangered and two are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Regulatory History
On August 14, 2011, NOAA Fisheries received a petition from WildEarth Guardians and Friends of Animals to list the scalloped hammerhead shark as threatened or endangered under the ESA throughout its entire range, or as an alternative, to delineate the species into distinct population segments. On November 28, 2011, we published a notice that listing may be warranted. We published the proposed rule to list under the ESA and a status review of the species in April 2013. In July 2014, we listed four distinct population segments under the ESA.
Key Actions and Documents
Documents
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark 5-Year Review
A 5-year review is a periodic analysis of a species’ status conducted to ensure that the listing…
Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2017
Alyssa N. Mathers, Bethany M. Deacy, Heather E. Moncrief-Cox, John K. Carlson
Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2015
Michael P. Enzenauer, Bethany M. Deacy, John K. Carlson
Characterization of the Shark Bottom Longline Fishery: 2014
Michael P. Enzenauer, Bethany M. Deacy, John K. Carlson
Outreach & Education
Valentine Cards to “Share the Love” for Marine Animals in the Pacific Islands Region
Eight valentine cards with drawings to color, fun facts, and viewing distances for humpback whales,…