The Haifa grouper (Hyporthodus haifensis), also known as the Haifa hind, is a deep-water grouper species native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, particularly along the coasts of North Africa and the Levant. Characterized by its robust body and mottled coloration, the Haifa grouper is a prized catch for both commercial and artisanal fisheries due to its firm, flavorful flesh. The top countries involved in harvesting the Haifa grouper include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Israel, with Morocco and Tunisia leading in commercial landings thanks to their extensive Mediterranean coastlines and established fishing industries. These countries utilize a mix of bottom longlines, handlines, and trawling to target this species, which is often sold fresh in local markets or exported to Europe. The fishery is of moderate economic importance regionally, and there is increasing attention to sustainable management due to concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.