Top Northern Shortfin Squid Fishing Countries

The Northern Shortfin Squid (Illex illecebrosus) is a fast-growing, migratory cephalopod found primarily in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Newfoundland to the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States. This species is prized for its tender flesh and is a key target for commercial fisheries due to its abundance and economic value. The top countries harvesting Northern Shortfin Squid are the United States and Canada, with the majority of the catch landed in the waters off New England and eastern Canada, particularly Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Both nations have developed robust squid fisheries, utilizing midwater trawls and jigging techniques, with the U.S. fishery centered around Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The catch is largely processed for both domestic consumption and export, especially to Asian and European markets. The fishery is managed through quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability, as the species plays an important ecological role as prey for many marine predators.

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