The American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides), also known as the long rough dab, is a demersal flatfish found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly along the continental shelves off eastern Canada, Greenland, and northern Europe. This species is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and rough, bumpy skin, and typically inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 10 to 1,000 meters. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvesting of American plaice are Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Russia, with Canada (especially Newfoundland and Labrador) historically leading the catch due to the species' abundance on the Grand Banks and adjacent areas. The fishing industry for American plaice is largely based on bottom trawling, and the species is valued for its mild, white flesh. However, overfishing and bycatch issues have led to significant stock declines, particularly in Canadian waters, resulting in stricter management measures and quota reductions in recent decades.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Russian Federation | 6,044 |
2 | United States of America | 693 |
3 | Canada | 522 |
4 | Estonia | 431 |
5 | Lithuania | 230 |
6 | Spain | 152 |
7 | Norway | 130 |
8 | Iceland | 74 |
9 | Germany | 52 |
10 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 22 |
11 | Faroe Islands | 17 |
12 | Denmark | 15 |
13 | France | 14 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.