Top Bastard Halibut Fishing Countries

The bastard halibut (Paralichthys olivaceus), also known as the olive flounder, is a large, flat-bodied demersal fish native to the northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly around the coasts of China, Korea, and Japan. This species is highly valued both as a wild-caught fish and as a staple of aquaculture, especially in East Asia where it is prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture, often featured in sushi and sashimi. The top countries harvesting bastard halibut are South Korea, Japan, and China, with South Korea leading in aquaculture production due to advanced hatchery techniques and strong domestic demand. Wild fisheries for bastard halibut are supplemented by significant aquaculture operations, making these countries global leaders in both the capture and farming of this species, which supports robust export markets and local seafood industries.

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