Top Escolar Fishing Countries

Escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) is a large, deep-sea fish found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, notable for its high oil content and rich, buttery flesh. Often marketed as "white tuna" or "butterfish," escolar is prized in some culinary circles but is also controversial due to its indigestible wax esters, which can cause digestive issues. The top escolar fishing countries include Taiwan, Spain, Portugal, and Japan, with significant landings also reported from Indonesia and Ecuador. These nations operate industrial longline and deep-set trawl fleets targeting escolar, often as bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries. The global escolar trade is driven by demand in East Asia, Europe, and North America, though some countries have restricted or banned its sale due to health concerns. Despite its challenges, escolar remains an important export commodity for several coastal economies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions.

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