The New Zealand dory, commonly referred to as John Dory (Zeus faber), is a distinctive, laterally compressed fish recognized by its olive-yellow coloring and dark spot on its side. Prized for its delicate, mild-flavored white flesh, John Dory is a sought-after species in international seafood markets. The main countries harvesting New Zealand dory are New Zealand itself, which manages a well-regulated commercial fishery primarily using trawl methods, and Australia, which also catches John Dory as part of its mixed demersal trawl fisheries. While New Zealand is the primary exporter, significant quantities are shipped to major seafood-consuming nations such as Japan, the United States, and various European countries, where the fish is valued in high-end cuisine. The industry is notable for its emphasis on sustainability, with New Zealand’s quota management system ensuring that John Dory stocks remain healthy and fishing practices are environmentally responsible.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 116 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.