Top Oilfish Fishing Countries

Oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus) is a large, deep-sea species found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, known for its oily flesh that contains high levels of indigestible wax esters. While not a primary commercial target due to potential health effects from its oil, oilfish is often caught as bycatch in longline and deep-sea trawl fisheries targeting other species like tuna and swordfish. The top oilfish fishing countries include Taiwan, Japan, Spain, and Indonesia, where deep-sea fishing fleets operate in both domestic and international waters. In these countries, oilfish is sometimes marketed under alternative names, such as "butterfish" or "white tuna," and exported to various markets, though regulations in some regions restrict its sale due to the risk of gastrointestinal effects from its consumption. The oilfish industry remains relatively small compared to other commercial fisheries, but it is notable in regions with active deep-sea fishing sectors.

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