Top Haffara Seabream Fishing Countries

The Haffara seabream (Rhabdosargus haffara) is a coastal marine fish found primarily in the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Recognizable by its silvery body and yellowish fins, Haffara seabream is a valued species for both commercial and artisanal fisheries due to its firm flesh and popularity in local cuisines. The top countries engaged in Haffara seabream fishing include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Yemen, where the species is commonly caught using gillnets and handlines in shallow coastal waters. In these regions, the Haffara seabream supports local economies and provides a vital source of protein, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia leading in both catch volume and market distribution. The fishing industry for this species is characterized by small-scale operations, though there is increasing attention to sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of Haffara seabream stocks in the face of growing demand and environmental pressures.

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