Top Risso'S Dolphin Fishing Countries

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is a robust, medium-sized cetacean recognized by its blunt head, tall dorsal fin, and distinctive scarred, grayish body. Unlike many fish species, Risso's dolphins are not typically targeted by large-scale commercial fisheries, but they have historically been subject to small-scale hunts, particularly in certain countries. The primary nations known for harvesting Risso's dolphins are Japan and, to a lesser extent, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, where they are caught in coastal drive fisheries for meat and sometimes for use as bait. In Japan, the Taiji dolphin drive is the most well-known example, with Risso's dolphins among several species captured annually. While international regulations and conservation concerns have reduced the scale of these hunts, some local demand persists, making these countries the main centers of Risso's dolphin harvesting.

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