Top Boarfish Fishing Countries

Boarfish, particularly the species Capros aper, are small, deep-bodied marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for their bright reddish coloration and laterally compressed bodies, boarfish are typically caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting other demersal species. The top boarfish fishing countries are Ireland, Portugal, and Spain, with Ireland being especially prominent due to the significant boarfish stocks found off its western coast. The commercial exploitation of boarfish began in earnest in the early 2000s, as improved processing methods made the species more marketable, primarily for fishmeal and animal feed. The industry has since developed rapidly, with annual catches sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of tonnes, making boarfish an increasingly important resource for these nations’ fishing sectors.

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