Top Saithe Pollock Fishing Countries

Saithe, also known as pollock or coalfish (Pollachius virens), is a commercially important species found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Recognized for its streamlined body and dark coloration, saithe is a key target for both the fresh and processed fish markets, often used in products like fish fingers and surimi. The top saithe fishing countries are Norway, Russia, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, with Norway being the largest harvester due to its extensive North Sea and Barents Sea fisheries. These nations have developed robust fishing industries around saithe, employing advanced trawling and longlining techniques, and are committed to sustainable management through quotas and international agreements to ensure the long-term viability of saithe stocks.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Norway212,030
2Iceland62,187
3Faroe Islands17,051
4Russian Federation13,617
5France11,508
6United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland9,610
7Germany4,781
8United States of America3,296
9Canada2,972
10Denmark2,297
11Sweden1,094
12Greenland444
13Ireland369
14Portugal101
15Netherlands (Kingdom of the)98
16Spain47
17Belgium6

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