Leatherjacket fish, belonging primarily to the family Monacanthidae, are distinctive for their tough, sandpapery skin and laterally compressed bodies, commonly found in warm and temperate coastal waters. These fish are valued for their mild-flavored flesh and are targeted both by commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top leatherjacket fishing countries include Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia, where the species is often caught using trawl nets, gillnets, and handlines. In Japan and Korea, leatherjackets—known locally as kawahagi and jomchi, respectively—are popular in local cuisines and markets. Australia also has a notable leatherjacket fishery, particularly in New South Wales, where several species are harvested for both local consumption and export. The fishing industry for leatherjackets is generally small-scale but plays an important role in coastal economies and traditional diets in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 91 |
| 2 | Mexico | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.