Meagres, often grouped under the category "Meagres not elsewhere included" in fisheries statistics, refer to several species in the Sciaenidae family, such as the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) and related croaker species. These fish are valued for their firm, white flesh and are found in temperate and subtropical waters, particularly in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and adjacent regions. The leading countries harvesting meagres include Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, and Iran, where both wild capture and aquaculture operations contribute to production. Egypt, in particular, has become a significant producer through intensive aquaculture, while Morocco and Turkey rely on both wild fisheries and farming. The meagre fishing industry supports local economies and is important for regional seafood markets, with the species being sold fresh, frozen, or processed.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.