The sargo breams, often grouped under the family Sparidae and commonly referred to as "Top Sargo Breams Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics, are a diverse group of demersal fish found primarily in temperate and subtropical coastal waters. These fish are characterized by their deep, laterally compressed bodies and strong jaws, adapted for feeding on mollusks and crustaceans. Major fishing countries for sargo breams include Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where they are both commercially harvested and highly valued in local cuisines. The Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic coasts are the primary regions for their capture, with artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries dominating the industry. These nations have long traditions of targeting sargo breams, often using hook-and-line, nets, and traps, contributing significantly to local economies and culinary heritage.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Morocco | 1,568 |
2 | Senegal | 1,205 |
3 | Italy | 490 |
4 | Türkiye | 120 |
5 | Spain | 19 |
6 | Palestine | 15 |
7 | France | 2 |
8 | Portugal | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.