Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a demersal fish species native to the North Atlantic Ocean, prized for its delicate, mildly sweet flavor and white, flaky flesh, making it a staple in dishes like fish and chips. The top haddock fishing countries are Norway, Iceland, Russia, and the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland. These nations operate extensive commercial fisheries in the North Sea and the waters around Iceland and the Barents Sea, where haddock stocks are most abundant. The fishing industry in these countries is highly regulated, with quotas and sustainable management practices in place to prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term health of haddock populations. Haddock is typically caught using trawl nets and longlines, and its economic importance is significant for coastal communities in these regions, supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Norway | 91,659 |
2 | Russian Federation | 82,526 |
3 | Iceland | 57,186 |
4 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 33,222 |
5 | Faroe Islands | 11,913 |
6 | Canada | 9,322 |
7 | Ireland | 5,491 |
8 | United States of America | 5,014 |
9 | France | 4,644 |
10 | Denmark | 4,489 |
11 | Germany | 1,069 |
12 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 772 |
13 | Greenland | 755 |
14 | Sweden | 458 |
15 | Belgium | 434 |
16 | Spain | 352 |
17 | Portugal | 39 |
18 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.