The quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) is a demersal marine fish found primarily along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to California. Recognized by its long, sharp dorsal spines and mottled brownish-yellow coloration, the quillback rockfish inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forests, often at depths between 30 and 90 meters. The main countries engaged in the commercial and recreational harvest of quillback rockfish are the United States and Canada, particularly in the regions of Alaska, British Columbia, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. In these areas, quillback rockfish are targeted by both commercial groundfish fisheries and sport anglers, valued for their firm, white flesh. Fisheries management in both countries has implemented various regulations, such as catch limits and protected areas, to address concerns about overfishing and the species’ relatively slow growth and late maturity, ensuring sustainable harvests for the future.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.