Top Donkey Croaker Fishing Countries

The donkey croaker (Sciaena umbra), also known as the brown meagre, is a demersal fish species found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Bay of Biscay to Senegal. Recognized for its elongated body and distinctive croaking sound, the donkey croaker inhabits rocky and seagrass areas, making it a valued target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries involved in donkey croaker fishing are Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Turkey, where the species is caught mainly using trammel nets, gillnets, and occasionally by hook and line. While not a major global commercial species, it holds regional importance in Mediterranean markets, where it is prized for its delicate flavor. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to population declines, prompting several countries to implement fishing restrictions and marine protected areas to conserve this species.

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