The New Zealand sea lion (*Phocarctos hookeri*) is a rare and protected marine mammal endemic to New Zealand, and it is not a fish species nor is it directly targeted by any fishing industry. Instead, the New Zealand sea lion is a top predator in its ecosystem and is classified as "Endangered" due to threats such as bycatch in commercial fisheries, disease, and habitat disturbance. While no countries actively harvest New Zealand sea lions, their population has been significantly affected by accidental capture in trawl fisheries, particularly those targeting squid and other species around New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. New Zealand is the only country where these sea lions are found, and strict regulations are in place to minimize bycatch and protect the species from further decline. The commercial fishing industry in New Zealand, especially the squid fishery, works under government-imposed limits to reduce sea lion mortality and ensure the conservation of this unique marine mammal.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.