Top Splitnose Rockfish Fishing Countries

The splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa) is a deepwater species found primarily along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from southeast Alaska to Baja California. Recognizable by its reddish coloration and distinctive split in the lower jaw, the splitnose rockfish inhabits rocky reefs and continental slopes at depths of 100 to 500 meters. The commercial harvest of splitnose rockfish is most significant in the United States, particularly off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, where it is targeted as part of mixed-species trawl fisheries. Canada, especially British Columbia, also records notable landings. While Mexico’s Pacific fisheries occasionally catch splitnose rockfish, their harvest is relatively minor compared to the U.S. and Canada. The species is managed under strict quotas and monitoring programs to ensure sustainability, as rockfish are slow-growing and vulnerable to overfishing. The splitnose rockfish is valued for its mild flavor and is sold fresh or frozen, contributing to the broader groundfish industry in the region.

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