Top Forkbeard Fishing Countries

The forkbeard (Phycis phycis) is a deep-water demersal fish species belonging to the family Phycidae, commonly found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Characterized by its elongated body, chin barbel, and distinctive forked tail, the forkbeard inhabits rocky and muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 100 to 650 meters. The top countries engaged in forkbeard fishing are Portugal, Spain, and Italy, where the species is valued both commercially and for local consumption, often landed as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries targeting other demersal species. The forkbeard fishing industry in these countries is relatively small compared to major commercial species, but it plays an important role in local markets and traditional cuisines, especially in Portugal, where it is known as "abrótea." Sustainable management is increasingly emphasized due to concerns over deep-sea fishing impacts and the species' slow growth and late maturity.

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