Top Elegant Cuttlefish Fishing Countries

The elegant cuttlefish (Sepia elegans) is a small, slender cephalopod found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its delicate flesh and subtle flavor. This species is a valuable resource in commercial fisheries, particularly for countries bordering the Mediterranean. Italy, Spain, and Greece are among the top harvesters, where cuttlefish is a staple in local cuisine and a significant export product. Turkey and Tunisia also have robust cuttlefish fisheries, utilizing both traditional and modern fishing methods such as trawling and traps. The elegant cuttlefish fishery is closely monitored in many regions to ensure sustainability, given the species’ importance to both local economies and marine ecosystems.

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