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.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Angola | 7,238 |
2 | France | 1,271 |
3 | Morocco | 903 |
4 | New Zealand | 518 |
5 | Spain | 397 |
6 | Senegal | 370 |
7 | Portugal | 365 |
8 | Mauritania | 220 |
9 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 182 |
10 | Italy | 169 |
11 | Greece | 159 |
12 | Ireland | 150 |
13 | Russian Federation | 92 |
14 | Tunisia | 80 |
15 | Australia | 59 |
16 | Algeria | 50 |
17 | Croatia | 49 |
18 | Belgium | 36 |
19 | Türkiye | 32 |
20 | Congo | 18 |
21 | South Africa | 17 |
22 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 14 |
23 | Albania | 12 |
24 | Malta | 6 |
25 | Montenegro | 5 |
25 | Guinea-Bissau | 5 |
28 | Norway | 1 |
28 | Denmark | 1 |
28 | Cyprus | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.