Deep sea smelt, primarily from the family Bathylagidae, are small, silvery fish found in the deep ocean waters of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. These fish are valued for their role in marine food webs and are harvested mainly for use as bait, fishmeal, and occasionally for human consumption. The top countries engaged in deep sea smelt fishing are Japan, Russia, and the United States, especially in the waters off Alaska. Japan has a long tradition of smelt fishing, utilizing advanced trawling techniques to target these species, while Russia and the U.S. focus their efforts in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. The industry is relatively niche compared to other fisheries, but it remains important for supporting local economies and the broader fishing sector in these countries.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Japan | 2,100 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.