It is a very abundant species in the waters of the Azores. Due to overfishing is been targeted for an international study led by the local University.
Currently it is estimated that there are 100 million sharks that are subject to overfishing. A statistic number that confirms the drastic decline of certain species to the point of being at risk of extinction worldwide. One of these specimens very popular in international markets for the production of oil from their liver and their fins to Asian cuisine is the blue shark, best known as dyeing. Taking off in the currents of the Gulf Stream, these cartilaginous fish abound in large numbers the waters of the archipelago, "like reaching an oasis after a long and tiring journey in the desert, is notoriously the most abundant food in these parts. Vertical walls of tuna, anchovies and mackerel among others "eaters" break the continuity of what appears to be a more giant aquarium without walls in sight. Supporting all this life, and as if exploding from the 500 up to 30 feet deep seabed has the Princess Alice Bank, located west of Faial Island "as outlined in a study carried out by the local university.
Altogether there are 31 species in Azorean waters, divided into two groups. The first are called depth sharks because they live and reproduce, as the name implies, in the deep sea. Then we have the pelagic, species that are associated with water column, the pelagic environment such as the dye. This fish due to its commercial value, being one of the most fished species in Azorean waters has been the target of an international study, which is part of a team of University of the Azores, which aims to understand the life cycle and their migratory movements, in order to preserve this top predator, which contributes to the balance of marine ecosystems. The blue shark is thus "an elongated body. It features a blue-live that practically indistinguishable from the Azores Sea itself, his belly is not quite white and his eyes large and curious. Riding in their body are 3 pilot fish, opportunistically, will be feeding on small particles left over from your meals. The adult female is about 2.40 m long and a gestation period that lasts about nine months. Within two wombs of their 80 embryos develop more seem to be miniature replicas of their mother. It is possibly in Azorean waters, water or other European or North Africa, that this shark will give birth. During the first 2-3 years of life, newborns soon will find a greater availability of food in these areas calls for maternity and growth. Their chance of survival is enhanced by the fact that adults do not abound in these parts, reducing thus competition for food". Although data confirm their high birth rate, the fact is that overfishing is having an alarming effect on the regeneration of the species, hence the importance of this more alert.
http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/MSubmerso/old/199902/Artigo.htm
