The Pacific pomfret (Brama japonica) is a deep-bodied, silvery fish found throughout the North Pacific Ocean, prized for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. This species is commonly caught as bycatch in pelagic longline and midwater trawl fisheries, but targeted fisheries also exist due to its commercial value in Asian markets. The leading Pacific pomfret fishing countries are Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan, which harvest the species both within their own exclusive economic zones and on the high seas. Japan has historically been the top harvester, utilizing the pomfret for both domestic consumption and export, while China and South Korea have increased their catches in recent decades as demand for this versatile fish has grown. The industry is characterized by a focus on sustainability and monitoring, as pomfret stocks can be sensitive to overfishing due to their relatively slow growth and late maturity.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.