Top Large Yellow Croaker Fishing Countries

The large yellow croaker (*Larimichthys crocea*) is a valuable marine fish native to the western Pacific, particularly along the coasts of China, Korea, and Japan. Characterized by its golden-yellow coloration and prized for its delicate flesh, the large yellow croaker has historically supported significant commercial fisheries. China is by far the leading country in both wild capture and aquaculture production of this species, with Zhejiang and Fujian provinces being major centers of croaker farming and fishing. South Korea also harvests large yellow croaker, though at much lower volumes, primarily from the Yellow Sea. Overfishing and habitat degradation led to a dramatic decline in wild stocks by the late 20th century, prompting China to develop large-scale aquaculture operations, which now dominate global supply. Japan, once a notable harvester, now imports most of its croaker due to depleted local stocks. Today, the large yellow croaker industry is an important economic driver in East Asia, with China at the forefront of both production and innovation in sustainable aquaculture practices for this species.

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