The Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides), also known as Greenland turbot, is a deep-water flatfish found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Prized for its firm, white flesh, this species is a valuable target for commercial fisheries. The top Greenland halibut fishing countries include Norway, Greenland (Denmark), Russia, Canada, and Iceland. These nations operate extensive fisheries in the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Atlantic, using trawlers and longlines to harvest the species. The fishing industry for Greenland halibut is crucial for the economies of these Arctic and sub-Arctic countries, with strict international management and quotas overseen by organizations such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) to ensure sustainable harvests and prevent overfishing.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Greenland | 45,362 |
2 | Russian Federation | 17,984 |
3 | Norway | 16,898 |
4 | Canada | 10,899 |
5 | Iceland | 8,805 |
6 | Germany | 6,195 |
7 | Spain | 4,719 |
8 | Faroe Islands | 2,966 |
9 | Portugal | 2,457 |
10 | United States of America | 1,404 |
11 | Japan | 1,205 |
12 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 540 |
13 | Estonia | 495 |
14 | France | 186 |
15 | Lithuania | 136 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.