Top Pargo Breams Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Pargo breams, classified under the FAO category "Pargo Breams Not Elsewhere Included," refer to a group of sparid fish species—often from the genera Pagrus and related groups—found in subtropical and tropical waters. These fish are prized for their firm, white flesh and are important both commercially and for artisanal fisheries. The leading countries harvesting pargo breams include Mexico, which dominates landings due to the abundance of species like the red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) and other local sparids in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coasts. Other significant producers are Peru, Ecuador, and some West African nations, where pargo breams are caught using bottom trawls, longlines, and artisanal methods. The industry supports local economies through both domestic consumption and export, with catches often sold fresh or frozen in regional markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation, however, remain concerns for the sustainability of pargo bream stocks in several regions.

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