The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a cold-water fish species native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, renowned for its adaptability to both freshwater and coastal marine environments. Prized for its delicate, pink flesh and high nutritional value, Arctic char supports both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top Arctic char fishing countries include Canada, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland, where the species is harvested from wild stocks and increasingly farmed through aquaculture. In Canada, especially in the northern territories, Arctic char is a staple for Indigenous communities and a key commercial species. Norway and Iceland have developed significant aquaculture industries, exporting Arctic char to global markets. Sweden and Finland also contribute to the industry, primarily through small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, making the Arctic char an important economic and cultural resource across the circumpolar north.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Sweden | 852 |
2 | Canada | 87 |
3 | Switzerland | 22 |
4 | Iceland | 15 |
5 | Norway | 3 |
6 | Greenland | 2 |
7 | Germany | 1 |
7 | Slovenia | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.