Top Musky Octopus Fishing Countries

The term "Musky Octopus" refers to *Eledone moschata*, a small species of octopus found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Recognized for its musky odor and single row of suckers on each arm, the Musky Octopus is a valued catch in local fisheries due to its culinary appeal, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. The top countries harvesting the Musky Octopus are Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where traditional small-scale fisheries use pots, traps, and trawls to catch these cephalopods. Italy and Greece, in particular, have a long history of octopus fishing, integrating the Musky Octopus into both local diets and export markets. The fishing industry for this species is generally artisanal, with regulations in place to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable stocks, reflecting the species' importance to coastal economies and culinary traditions in these regions.

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