Top Black Scabbardfish Fishing Countries

The black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) is a deep-sea species known for its elongated, ribbon-like body and metallic black coloration, typically found at depths between 800 and 1,800 meters in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. This fish is highly valued for its delicate, white flesh and forms a significant part of the deep-sea fishing industry, particularly in countries bordering the eastern Atlantic. Portugal, especially the island of Madeira, is the leading harvester and consumer of black scabbardfish, where it is a culinary staple and supports local fisheries. Other important fishing nations include Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, which operate deep-sea trawlers targeting this species, often as part of mixed-species deep-water fisheries. The black scabbardfish industry is closely monitored due to concerns about overfishing and the species’ slow growth and late maturity, prompting international management efforts to ensure its sustainability.

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