Top Gulf Flounder Fishing Countries

The Gulf flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) is a flatfish species native to the western Atlantic, primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southeastern coast of the United States. Recognized for its mottled brown coloration and distinctive three eye-like spots, the Gulf flounder thrives in sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. The main countries harvesting Gulf flounder are the United States and Mexico, with the U.S.—particularly the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—leading both commercial and recreational catches. The fishing industry targets this species for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh, using trawl nets, gillnets, and hook-and-line methods. While Mexico also participates in the Gulf flounder fishery, its harvest levels are generally lower compared to the U.S. due to differences in fishing infrastructure and market demand. Sustainable management practices are increasingly important in both countries to ensure healthy populations amid fishing pressures and habitat changes.

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