Top Rough Scad Fishing Countries

The rough scad (Trachurus trachurus), also known as Atlantic horse mackerel, is a small pelagic fish found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway and Iceland down to South Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Characterized by its elongated, silver body and distinctive scutes along the lateral line, the rough scad is an important commercial species, targeted primarily for human consumption and fishmeal. The top rough scad fishing countries are Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and the Netherlands, with significant landings also reported from France and the United Kingdom. These nations operate large-scale trawl and purse seine fisheries, often in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, where the species forms dense schools. The rough scad fishery is a vital component of the regional fishing industry, contributing to both domestic markets and international exports, and is managed under various national and international quotas to ensure sustainability.

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