Top Capelin Fishing Countries

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a small, schooling forage fish found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It plays a crucial ecological role as a primary food source for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The capelin fishing industry primarily targets the species for use as fishmeal, oil, and bait, with some catch processed for human consumption, particularly in East Asia. The top capelin fishing countries are Norway, Iceland, and Russia, which together account for the majority of global landings. These nations manage their capelin fisheries with strict quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability, as capelin stocks are highly sensitive to environmental changes and overfishing. In Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, capelin is also harvested, though on a smaller scale compared to the leading countries.

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