Top Atka Mackerel Fishing Countries

The Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) is a cold-water fish species native to the North Pacific Ocean, recognized by its elongated body and distinctive vertical black bands. This species is primarily found around the Aleutian Islands, the Bering Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk. The major countries involved in the commercial harvest of Atka mackerel are the United States (mainly Alaska) and Russia, with Japan also historically participating in the fishery. The U.S. fishery, managed under strict quotas and sustainability guidelines, is centered in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, where Atka mackerel is valued for both domestic consumption and export, especially to Asian markets. Russia also conducts significant Atka mackerel fishing, particularly in the waters off the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands. The species is targeted using trawl gear, and its firm, flavorful flesh is popular in various culinary applications, especially in East Asian cuisine.

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