Top Blackgill Rockfish Fishing Countries

The blackgill rockfish (*Sebastes melanostomus*) is a deepwater species found along the Pacific coast of North America, recognized by its distinctive black gill rakers and robust, reddish body. This species thrives at depths ranging from 200 to over 800 meters, primarily inhabiting rocky substrates. The blackgill rockfish is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and is targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries. The top countries harvesting blackgill rockfish are the United States and Canada, particularly along the West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. In the United States, the fishery is managed under strict quotas and regulations to prevent overfishing, as blackgill rockfish are slow-growing and long-lived, making them vulnerable to depletion. Canada also manages the species within its groundfish trawl and hook-and-line fisheries. While Japan and Russia have significant rockfish fisheries, their catch of blackgill rockfish is minimal compared to North America, where this species is most abundant and commercially important.

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