Top Alfonsinos Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Alfonsino (Beryx spp.), particularly Beryx splendens, is a deep-sea fish prized for its firm, white flesh and is commonly found in temperate and subtropical waters at depths of 200 to 1,200 meters. The term "Top Alfonsinos Not Elsewhere Included" refers to countries harvesting Alfonsino species that are not specifically listed in other fishery statistics categories. Major fishing nations for Alfonsino include Japan, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and Russia, with Japan historically leading both in catch and market demand due to its popularity in sashimi and sushi cuisine. The Alfonsino fishery is characterized by deep-sea trawling and longlining, often conducted on seamounts and continental slopes. These fisheries are managed by various international agreements due to concerns over the slow growth and late maturity of Alfonsino, making them vulnerable to overfishing. As a result, sustainable management practices and catch limits are increasingly important among the top harvesting countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.