The Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) is a small, cold-water fish species in the cod family, typically found along the northwest Atlantic coast from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Virginia. Recognized for its resilience and ability to thrive in brackish and even polluted waters, the tomcod is primarily targeted by small-scale commercial and recreational fisheries rather than large industrial fleets. The top Atlantic tomcod fishing countries are Canada and the United States, particularly in regions such as Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the northeastern U.S. states like New York and New Jersey. In Canada, tomcod—locally known as "capucins" or "poulamons"—is especially popular during winter ice fishing festivals along the Sainte-Anne River in Quebec. While not a major global commercial species due to its modest size and local consumption, tomcod plays a significant cultural and economic role in these communities, supporting traditional fisheries and regional culinary traditions.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.