Top Great Northern Tilefish Fishing Countries

The Great Northern Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) is a deepwater, bottom-dwelling species found primarily along the continental shelf of the western North Atlantic, from Nova Scotia down to the Gulf of Mexico. Recognized for its firm, mild-flavored flesh, it is a valued catch in commercial fisheries. The United States is by far the leading country harvesting Great Northern Tilefish, with the majority of landings coming from the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly off the coasts of New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Canada also catches smaller quantities, mainly off Nova Scotia. The U.S. tilefish fishery is managed under strict quotas and regulations to ensure sustainability, as the species is relatively slow-growing and vulnerable to overfishing. While other countries may occasionally catch tilefish as bycatch, the commercial industry for this species is largely concentrated in North America, with the U.S. dominating both the harvest and export markets.

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