Top Southern Blue Whiting Fishing Countries

Southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) is a small, schooling, deep-water fish found primarily in the sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Hemisphere, especially around the southern coasts of South America and near New Zealand. This species is highly valued for its mild-flavored, white flesh and is primarily targeted by industrial trawl fisheries. The leading countries harvesting southern blue whiting are New Zealand and Argentina, with New Zealand managing significant fisheries in the Campbell and Bounty Plateaus, and Argentina operating in the Southwest Atlantic, particularly around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Both countries have developed robust fishing industries around this resource, with strict management measures in place to ensure sustainability. Smaller catches are also reported from Chile and, occasionally, from other nations operating in the region. The fishery is notable for its use in surimi production and as a source of frozen fillets for international markets.

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