Top Orange Roughy Fishing Countries

The orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) is a deep-sea fish known for its bright reddish-orange color and remarkable longevity, often living over 100 years. Prized for its mild, delicate flavor and firm texture, orange roughy became a popular commercial target in the late 20th century. The primary countries involved in harvesting orange roughy are New Zealand and Australia, which manage some of the world’s largest and most regulated fisheries for this species. Other countries, such as Namibia and, to a lesser extent, Chile, have also developed orange roughy fisheries. Due to the species’ slow growth and late maturity, overfishing has been a significant concern, leading to strict quotas and conservation measures, particularly in New Zealand, which remains the leading producer and exporter of orange roughy today.

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