The blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a demersal fish species endemic to New Zealand, renowned for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor, making it highly prized in local cuisine. As a result, the blue cod fishery is almost exclusively a New Zealand industry, with commercial and recreational fishing concentrated around the South Island, Chatham Islands, and Stewart Island. Strict management measures, including quotas and size limits, are enforced by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries to ensure the sustainability of blue cod stocks. Unlike many other commercially valuable fish species, blue cod is not widely harvested or exported by other countries, making New Zealand the primary—and virtually sole—country responsible for its harvest and management.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 1,616 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.