Top Jumbo Flying Squid Fishing Countries

The jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas), also known as Humboldt squid, is a large, fast-swimming cephalopod found primarily in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Chile to California. Renowned for its rapid growth and aggressive behavior, this species supports a significant commercial fishery, especially in the waters off Peru and Mexico, which are the leading countries in jumbo flying squid landings. China has also become a major harvester, with its distant-water fleets operating in the high seas, particularly off the coast of South America. Japan and Chile are other important contributors to the global catch. The fishing industry for jumbo flying squid is vital for local economies, providing employment and export revenue, and the species is typically caught using jigging methods at night when the squid are most active. The international market for jumbo flying squid is strong, with the catch processed into food products such as calamari and surimi, making it a key species in global seafood trade.

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