The Chilean jagged lobster (Projasus bahamondei) is a deep-water spiny lobster species native to the southeastern Pacific, primarily found along the coasts of Chile and Peru. Recognized for its robust, spiny exoskeleton and high-quality meat, this lobster is a valuable resource for commercial fisheries. Chile is by far the leading country in harvesting the Chilean jagged lobster, with its fisheries operating mainly off the central and southern coasts, particularly around the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas Islands. Peru also participates in the fishery, though on a much smaller scale. The industry is tightly regulated in Chile to ensure sustainability, with quotas and seasonal closures, as the species’ slow growth and deep-water habitat make it vulnerable to overfishing. The Chilean jagged lobster is primarily exported to international markets, contributing significantly to the local economies of the harvesting regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.