Top Flying Gurnard Fishing Countries

The Top Flying Gurnard fishing countries are primarily located in the warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the Indo-Pacific, with notable catches reported in countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Japan. The Flying Gurnard (family Dactylopteridae) is a distinctive bottom-dwelling fish known for its large, wing-like pectoral fins that it can spread dramatically, often startling predators and fascinating divers. While not a major commercial species, Flying Gurnards are occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl and bottom fishing operations targeting other demersal fish. In Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece, they are sometimes sold in local markets and used in traditional dishes, while in Japan, they are appreciated for their unique appearance and sometimes featured in regional cuisine. Overall, the fishing industry for Flying Gurnard is relatively small and localized, with most harvests occurring incidentally rather than through targeted fisheries.

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