Top Atlantic Wolffish Fishing Countries

The Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a distinctive, bottom-dwelling species known for its elongated body, strong jaws, and prominent canine-like teeth, adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey such as crustaceans and mollusks. This cold-water fish inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of northern Europe and North America. The primary countries engaged in commercial harvesting of Atlantic wolffish are Iceland, Norway, and Russia, with smaller catches reported in Canada and Greenland. In these nations, the wolffish is typically caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries targeting cod and other demersal species, though targeted fisheries exist in some regions. The meat is valued for its firm texture and mild flavor, and the skin is sometimes used in leather production. Due to concerns over population declines from overfishing and habitat disturbance, some countries have implemented management measures, but the species remains vulnerable in parts of its range.

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