The Northern Searobin (*Prionotus carolinus*) is a bottom-dwelling marine fish found along the western Atlantic coast, from Nova Scotia to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Recognized by its large pectoral fins and armored head, the searobin is often caught as bycatch in commercial trawl and bottom fishing operations targeting other species. While not a primary target for most fisheries due to its bony structure and relatively low commercial value, the Northern Searobin is harvested incidentally in countries with active demersal fisheries, such as the United States (particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions), Canada (Nova Scotia), and to a lesser extent Mexico. In these countries, the fish is sometimes used for fish meal, bait, or local consumption, but it remains a minor component of the overall fishing industry compared to more commercially valuable species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.