Top Pacific Harvestfish Fishing Countries

The Pacific harvestfish (Peprilus medius), also known as the Pacific butterfish, is a small, silvery marine fish found primarily in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from southern California to Peru. This species is valued for its mild flavor and is typically caught using trawl nets and gillnets. The leading countries harvesting Pacific harvestfish are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where the species supports both local consumption and commercial fisheries. In these nations, the fish is often processed for fresh markets and sometimes for export. The industry is generally small to medium scale, with catches fluctuating due to environmental factors and fishing pressure. Sustainable management is increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of the Pacific harvestfish populations.

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