Top Saddled Seabream Fishing Countries

The Top Saddled Seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), also known as black seabream, is a demersal fish species found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Scandinavia to Angola, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Recognizable by its oval shape and distinctive dark saddle markings near the dorsal fin, this species is prized for its firm, flavorful flesh. The main countries involved in the commercial harvest of Top Saddled Seabream are Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece, where it is caught both by small-scale artisanal fisheries and larger commercial operations using trawls, nets, and hook-and-line methods. These nations have a long tradition of seabream fishing, with the catch supporting local seafood markets and export industries, particularly in the Mediterranean region where the species is a staple in coastal cuisine. Sustainable management is increasingly emphasized due to concerns over overfishing and habitat degradation in some areas.

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