Top John Dory Fishing Countries

The John Dory (Zeus faber) is a distinctive, flat-bodied marine fish recognized for its large eyes and unique dark spot on its sides, commonly inhabiting coastal waters of the Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific. Prized for its delicate, white flesh and mild flavor, John Dory is a sought-after species in commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top John Dory fishing countries include Spain, France, Portugal, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where the species is typically caught using trawling, gillnets, and longline methods. In Europe, John Dory is especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine, while New Zealand's sustainable fisheries also contribute significantly to global supply. These countries manage their John Dory stocks through quotas and seasonal restrictions to ensure the long-term viability of this valuable fishery.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Angola7,238
2France1,271
3Morocco903
4New Zealand518
5Spain397
6Senegal370
7Portugal365
8Mauritania220
9United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland182
10Italy169
11Greece159
12Ireland150
13Russian Federation92
14Tunisia80
15Australia59
16Algeria50
17Croatia49
18Belgium36
19Türkiye32
20Congo18
21South Africa17
22Netherlands (Kingdom of the)14
23Albania12
24Malta6
25Montenegro5
25Guinea-Bissau5
28Norway1
28Denmark1
28Cyprus1

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