Top Rougheye Rockfish Fishing Countries

The Rougheye Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) is a deepwater, slow-growing species found primarily in the North Pacific Ocean, notable for its longevity—often living over 100 years—and distinctive spiny ridges beneath the eyes. This species is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and is primarily targeted by commercial bottom trawl and longline fisheries. The top countries harvesting Rougheye Rockfish are the United States (particularly Alaska), Canada (notably British Columbia), and Russia, all of which manage fisheries in the cold, deep waters of the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and the North Pacific continental slopes. These nations have implemented strict quotas and monitoring programs to manage stocks sustainably, as Rougheye Rockfish are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity. The fish is mostly processed for domestic consumption and export, supporting local economies in remote coastal regions.

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