The Blue Maomao (Scorpis violacea) is a vibrant, schooling marine fish found predominantly in the temperate coastal waters of the southwestern Pacific, particularly around New Zealand and eastern Australia. Recognized for their striking blue coloration and energetic behavior, Blue Maomao are popular targets for both recreational and small-scale commercial fisheries. New Zealand stands out as the top country for Blue Maomao fishing, where the species is commonly caught by line and net, especially around rocky reefs and offshore islands. In Australia, particularly in New South Wales, recreational anglers also target Blue Maomao, though the commercial harvest is limited compared to New Zealand. The species is valued locally for its table quality and is an important part of the coastal fishing culture, but it does not support large-scale international fisheries due to its regional distribution and moderate abundance.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.