Top Offshore Rockfish Fishing Countries

Rockfish, a diverse group of species primarily in the genus Sebastes, are prized for their firm, white flesh and are found in deep offshore waters, especially along continental shelves and rocky reefs. The top offshore rockfish fishing countries include the United States (notably Alaska and the Pacific Northwest), Canada (particularly British Columbia), Russia, Japan, and China. These nations have well-established commercial fisheries targeting various rockfish species, such as Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye, and black rockfish, using trawl, longline, and hook-and-line methods. The rockfish industry is vital for local economies, especially in North America's Pacific regions, though it faces challenges from overfishing and slow species recovery rates, prompting strict management and conservation measures in leading harvesting countries.

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