The Pacific sandperch (family Pinguipedidae), commonly found along sandy and rocky coastal bottoms in the Indo-Pacific region, is a small to medium-sized demersal fish valued for its mild flavor and firm texture. While not as globally prominent as some other commercial species, Pacific sandperch are targeted by both artisanal and commercial fisheries, particularly in countries bordering the western Pacific Ocean. The top fishing nations for Pacific sandperch include Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, where the species is harvested using trawl nets and bottom-set gillnets. These countries utilize sandperch for local consumption, often serving it fresh or dried in domestic markets, and occasionally exporting to neighboring regions. The fishery is typically part of mixed-species trawl operations, and while not a primary target, Pacific sandperch contribute to the economic stability of coastal fishing communities in these nations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 51 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.