Top Golden Grey Mullet Fishing Countries

The golden grey mullet (Chelon aurata) is a coastal fish species found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea, recognized for its silvery body and distinctive golden spot on its gill cover. This species thrives in brackish and shallow marine waters, making it a common target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries engaged in harvesting golden grey mullet include Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Egypt, where it is valued for its delicate flavor and is often used fresh or processed into products like bottarga (salted, cured roe). These countries have developed robust fishing industries around mullets, utilizing traditional fishing methods such as gillnets and traps, and supporting local economies through both domestic consumption and export. Sustainable management is increasingly emphasized in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of golden grey mullet populations amidst pressures from overfishing and habitat degradation.

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