Top Pacific Jack Mackerel Fishing Countries

The Pacific jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) is a pelagic fish species found primarily in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, known for its streamlined body and silvery coloration. This species forms large schools and is a vital component of marine food webs, as well as a significant target for commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting Pacific jack mackerel are Chile and Peru, which together account for the vast majority of global catches, thanks to the fish's abundance along their coasts and the presence of large industrial fishing fleets. These nations utilize purse seine and midwater trawl methods to catch jack mackerel, which is processed for human consumption, fishmeal, and oil. Russia and China also participate in the fishery, particularly in international waters of the South Pacific, but to a lesser extent than the leading South American producers. The fishery is managed regionally by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) to ensure sustainability due to concerns about overfishing in past decades.

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