Top Rex Sole Fishing Countries

Rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus) is a flatfish species native to the North Pacific, particularly along the continental shelf from the Bering Sea down to Baja California. Characterized by its elongated, oval body and pale coloration, rex sole is a valued commercial species due to its mild flavor and delicate texture. The top rex sole fishing countries are the United States and Canada, with the majority of the harvest coming from the waters off Alaska, British Columbia, and the U.S. West Coast. Both countries manage rex sole fisheries through quotas, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability. The fish is primarily caught by bottom trawlers, and is marketed fresh or frozen, often exported to Asian and North American markets. While not as prominent as other flatfish like halibut or sole, rex sole remains an important component of the groundfish industry in these northern Pacific nations.

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