Top Flathead Sole Fishing Countries

The flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon) is a demersal flatfish found primarily in the northern Pacific Ocean, especially in the Bering Sea and along the coasts of Alaska, Russia, and Japan. This species is characterized by its elongated, oval body and distinctive flat head, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to over 600 meters. The flathead sole is an important commercial species, valued for its mild, white flesh and harvested mainly by bottom trawl fisheries. The top flathead sole fishing countries are the United States (particularly Alaska), Russia, and Japan, which together account for the majority of global landings. In Alaska, flathead sole is managed as part of the groundfish complex, and sustainable harvest practices are enforced to maintain healthy populations. Russia also has significant flathead sole fisheries in the Sea of Okhotsk and the western Bering Sea, while Japan targets this species in its northern waters. These countries supply both domestic and international markets, making flathead sole an important contributor to the North Pacific fishing industry.

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