Sauries, often grouped under the category "Sauries Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics, are slender, fast-swimming pelagic fish belonging to the family Scomberesocidae, with the Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) being the most commercially significant species. These fish are prized for their delicate flavor and are a staple in East Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan, where they are known as "sanma." The primary countries engaged in saury fishing are Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Russia, with the majority of the catch coming from the North Pacific Ocean. The saury fishing industry is highly seasonal and typically involves the use of stick-held dip nets and light attraction methods. In recent years, competition for saury stocks has intensified among these nations, leading to concerns over declining catches and the need for sustainable management of this valuable fishery.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.