Top Bearded Seal Fishing Countries

The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) is a large, ice-associated marine mammal found throughout the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, easily recognized by its prominent whiskers and robust body. Unlike fish, bearded seals are hunted rather than fished, primarily by indigenous communities for their meat, blubber, and hides, which are vital for subsistence and cultural practices. The top countries involved in the harvest of bearded seals include Russia, Canada, Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark), and the United States (specifically Alaska). In these regions, bearded seal hunting is regulated to ensure sustainable populations and is often managed through quotas and traditional knowledge. Commercial exploitation is minimal, with most harvests occurring on a small scale and focused on local use rather than export, reflecting the species' importance to Arctic peoples rather than global markets.

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