Top Grey Seal Fishing Countries

The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is not a fish but a large marine mammal found in the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of northern Europe and eastern North America. Grey seals are characterized by their long snouts and spotted grey fur. While not traditionally targeted in large-scale commercial fisheries like fish species, grey seals have historically been hunted for their fur, oil, and meat, especially in countries with significant seal populations. The top countries involved in grey seal harvesting include Canada, particularly in the Atlantic provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador, and some northern European nations like Norway and, to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom and Iceland. In these regions, seal hunting is regulated and often controversial, with ongoing debates about sustainability, animal welfare, and the impact of seals on local fisheries. Today, the commercial harvest of grey seals is much reduced and highly regulated, with most countries focusing on population management rather than large-scale exploitation.

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