Top European Conger Fishing Countries

The European conger (Conger conger) is a large, predatory eel found throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Known for its impressive size—sometimes exceeding 2 meters in length—this species is a valuable catch for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top European conger fishing countries include Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy, where the species is harvested primarily by trawl, longline, and occasionally artisanal gear. Spain, particularly along its northern coast, leads in commercial landings, with France and Portugal also maintaining significant fisheries due to the conger’s popularity in local cuisine and export markets. While not as heavily targeted as some other demersal species, the European conger remains an important component of mixed-species fisheries in these nations, contributing to both domestic consumption and regional seafood trade.

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