Top Picarel Fishing Countries

The picarel (Spicara smaris) is a small, schooling marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for its slender body and silvery coloration, picarel is a popular target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries due to its abundance and culinary value, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. The top picarel fishing countries include Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Spain, where the species is harvested using small-scale trawls, nets, and traditional fishing methods. In these countries, picarel is commonly sold fresh in local markets and forms an important part of the coastal fishing economy. The sustainable management of picarel stocks is crucial, as it supports the livelihoods of many small fishing communities along the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic coasts.

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