Top Morwongs Fishing Countries

Morwongs are a group of demersal fish species belonging to the family Cheilodactylidae, commonly found in temperate coastal waters of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly around Australia, New Zealand, and parts of southern Africa. Recognized for their elongated bodies and distinctive pectoral fins, morwongs are popular targets for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to their firm, white flesh. The top morwong fishing countries are Australia and New Zealand, where the species such as the banded morwong (Cheilodactylus spectabilis) and jackass morwong (Nemadactylus macropterus) are harvested using methods like trawling, gillnetting, and line fishing. In these countries, morwongs are valued in local markets and sometimes exported, with strict management measures in place to ensure sustainable harvests. South Africa also has a smaller morwong fishery, primarily for local consumption. The morwong fishing industry, while not as large as those for more globally recognized species, remains important for regional economies and coastal communities in these countries.

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