Top Leerfish Fishing Countries

The leerfish (Lichia amia), also known as garrick, is a powerful predatory fish found in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Recognized for its elongated body and silvery sheen, the leerfish is highly prized both by commercial and recreational fishers for its fighting ability and quality flesh. The top countries involved in leerfish fishing are South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey, where the species is harvested primarily through artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries using nets and line gear. In South Africa, leerfish is a popular target for sport anglers, while Mediterranean countries often land leerfish as bycatch in mixed-species fisheries. Although not as heavily targeted as some other marine species, leerfish supports local economies and is valued in regional seafood markets, prompting ongoing efforts to monitor and manage its populations sustainably.

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