Top Scamp Fishing Countries

The scamp (Mycteroperca phenax) is a prized species of grouper found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the southeastern coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Recognized for its delicious, mild-flavored flesh, the scamp is a favorite target of both commercial and recreational fisheries. The United States, especially the states of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana, stands out as the top country for scamp fishing, with regulated commercial and recreational harvests managed under the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. Other countries with notable scamp fisheries include the Bahamas and Cuba, where local fleets target the species for domestic consumption and limited export. The scamp fishing industry is characterized by strict management measures in U.S. waters to ensure sustainability, including size and bag limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, reflecting the species’ relatively slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing.

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