The beaked salmon, scientifically known as *Oncorhynchus sima*, is a lesser-known member of the salmon family, distinguished by its elongated, beak-like snout, especially pronounced in males during spawning. This species is native to the North Pacific Ocean, with its range extending from the waters off Japan and the Russian Far East to Alaska. The primary countries engaged in the harvest of beaked salmon are Japan and Russia, where the fish is valued both for commercial catch and local consumption. Japan, in particular, has a long tradition of fishing beaked salmon, utilizing both coastal and riverine fisheries, while Russia’s Far Eastern regions also contribute significantly to the global catch. Although not as economically significant as other salmon species like chum or sockeye, the beaked salmon supports local economies and traditional fisheries in these regions. The fishing industry for this species is regulated to ensure sustainable harvests, given its ecological importance and relatively limited distribution compared to more widespread salmonids.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.