Top Dusky Grouper Fishing Countries

The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) is a large, slow-growing reef fish found in the Mediterranean Sea, eastern Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the southwestern Atlantic and southern Africa. Prized for its firm, flavorful flesh, the dusky grouper is a highly sought-after species in both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top countries harvesting dusky grouper include Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and Greece, where it is a staple in local cuisine and often sold in high-end markets and restaurants. In North Africa, Morocco and Tunisia also have significant dusky grouper fisheries. Due to its popularity and vulnerability to overfishing, many of these countries have implemented strict regulations, including seasonal closures, size limits, and catch quotas, to help preserve wild populations and support the long-term sustainability of the dusky grouper fishing industry.

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