Top Okhotsk Atka Mackerel Fishing Countries

The Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) is a cold-water fish species native to the northern Pacific Ocean, particularly abundant in the Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and waters surrounding the Aleutian Islands. Recognizable by its elongated body and bold vertical stripes, Atka mackerel is a key target for commercial fisheries due to its firm flesh and high oil content. The top countries harvesting Atka mackerel in the Okhotsk region are Russia and Japan, with Russia dominating the catch from the Sea of Okhotsk and adjacent Pacific waters, where large-scale trawl fisheries operate. Japan also maintains a significant Atka mackerel fishery, primarily in the northern Pacific and around Hokkaido. Both countries have a long history of targeting this species, which is valued both for domestic consumption and export, often processed into dried, salted, or frozen products. Strict management measures and quotas are in place to ensure the sustainability of Atka mackerel stocks, reflecting the species' economic and ecological importance in the region.

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