Top Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishing Countries

The Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is a highly prized, large migratory fish found primarily in the temperate waters of the southern hemisphere, particularly between 30°S and 50°S. Renowned for its rich, fatty flesh, it is a staple in high-end sushi and sashimi markets, driving intense international demand. The main countries involved in the commercial harvest of Southern Bluefin Tuna are Australia, Japan, and Indonesia, with smaller quotas allocated to New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. Australia leads in both wild capture and ranching operations—where young tuna are caught and fattened in sea cages—while Japan is the largest consumer and a significant fishing nation. Indonesia, with its artisanal and industrial fleets, has become increasingly important in recent years. The fishery is tightly regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) due to historical overfishing and ongoing concerns about stock sustainability.

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