Top Mackerel Icefish Fishing Countries

The mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) is a cold-water species found primarily in the Southern Ocean, particularly around sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia, Heard Island, and the Kerguelen Islands. Recognizable by its elongated body and translucent appearance, the mackerel icefish is an important commercial species targeted for its mild-flavored flesh. The main countries involved in the fishing of mackerel icefish are Russia, South Korea, and occasionally vessels flagged to countries like Spain and Ukraine, operating under strict quotas regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). These fisheries are closely monitored to prevent overexploitation, as the species is vulnerable to overfishing due to its slow growth and late maturity. The industry is highly regulated, with catch limits and seasonal closures to ensure the sustainability of mackerel icefish populations in the Southern Ocean.

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