Top Monkfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Monkfish, primarily from the genus *Lophius*, are deep-sea, bottom-dwelling fish known for their broad, flat heads and large mouths, often referred to as "anglerfish" due to their unique predatory lure. Prized for their firm, mild-flavored flesh—sometimes called "poor man's lobster"—monkfish are a valuable catch in commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting monkfish (not elsewhere included in broader fishery categories) are Spain, France, and Portugal, with significant landings also reported in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United States. These nations target monkfish in the Northeast Atlantic and Northwest Atlantic, often using trawling and gillnetting methods. The monkfish fishery is economically important, particularly in European countries where the species is highly sought after for both domestic consumption and export markets. Sustainable management is a growing concern due to the species’ slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing, prompting regulatory measures in key fishing nations.

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