Top Bluefin Gurnard Fishing Countries

The bluefin gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) is a distinctive bottom-dwelling fish known for its bright red coloration, wing-like pectoral fins, and the ability to "walk" on the seafloor using finger-like rays. Found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, it is especially abundant around New Zealand and southern Australia, which are the top countries harvesting this species. In these nations, bluefin gurnard is caught mainly by trawl fisheries and is valued both for its firm, white flesh and its role in mixed-species commercial catches. While not a primary target species, it is an important component of the inshore and shelf demersal fisheries. New Zealand and Australia have established management practices to ensure sustainable harvests, making them leaders in bluefin gurnard fishing.

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