The gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis), commonly known as "gag," is a prized marine fish found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, especially along the southeastern coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its robust body and mottled gray-brown coloration, the gag is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its firm, white flesh and excellent taste. The United States is by far the leading country in gag grouper harvest, with Florida being the central hub of the fishery, followed by Mexico, which also harvests gag in the Gulf. The fishing industry for gag grouper is tightly regulated in the U.S. to prevent overfishing, with seasonal closures, size limits, and catch quotas, while Mexico also manages its stocks through similar measures. These efforts aim to balance the economic importance of gag fishing with the need for sustainable populations, as gag groupers are vulnerable to overexploitation due to their slow growth and complex reproductive biology.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 455 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.