Top Blue Butterfish Fishing Countries

The Blue Butterfish (Stromateus fiatola), also known as the harvestfish, is a medium-sized, silvery marine fish found in temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Europe, North Africa, and parts of South America. Recognized for its laterally compressed body and distinctive blue sheen, the blue butterfish is valued both as a food fish and for its role in local fisheries. The top countries harvesting blue butterfish include Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, where the species is commonly caught by trawl and gillnet fisheries in the eastern Atlantic. Additionally, countries such as Argentina and Brazil in the southwestern Atlantic also maintain notable blue butterfish fisheries. These nations export the catch to international markets, while also supporting domestic consumption, making blue butterfish an important species for both economic and dietary reasons in these regions.

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