Top Atlantic Cod Fishing Countries

The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is a cold-water fish species native to the North Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its flaky white flesh and historical significance in global fisheries. This species has been a staple of European and North American diets for centuries, fueling economies and shaping maritime cultures. Today, the top Atlantic cod fishing countries include Norway, Iceland, Russia, and, to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom and Canada. Norway and Iceland lead the industry, employing advanced, sustainable fishing practices and strict quotas to preserve stocks after past overfishing led to dramatic declines. Russia also maintains significant cod fisheries in the Barents Sea, while Canada, once home to the world's largest cod stocks, now manages much smaller harvests due to the collapse of its Atlantic cod fishery in the early 1990s. The industry remains vital for these countries, supporting local communities and supplying global markets with fresh and processed cod products.

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