Top Blue Ling Fishing Countries

The blue ling (Molva dypterygia) is a deepwater fish species belonging to the cod family, found primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean at depths ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters. Characterized by its elongated body and bluish-grey coloration, blue ling is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and is often targeted by commercial fisheries. The leading countries involved in blue ling fishing are Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, with smaller contributions from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. These nations utilize deep-sea trawling and longlining methods to harvest blue ling, primarily for export to European markets. Due to concerns about overfishing and the species' slow growth and late maturity, blue ling fisheries are closely monitored and managed under international agreements, particularly by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), to ensure the sustainability of stocks.

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