Top Blue Barred Parrotfish Fishing Countries

The Blue Barred Parrotfish (*Scarus ghobban*), known for its vibrant blue-green coloration and distinctive horizontal bars, is a reef-associated species found throughout tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This parrotfish is valued both as a food fish and for its ecological role in maintaining healthy coral reefs by grazing on algae. The top countries engaged in Blue Barred Parrotfish fishing include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species for local consumption and regional markets. These nations harvest parrotfish using handlines, nets, and spearfishing, often as part of mixed reef fish catches. While parrotfish are not typically the primary target of large-scale industrial fisheries, their popularity in local diets and markets has led to increased fishing pressure in some areas, raising concerns about overfishing and reef health in these key harvesting countries.

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