Top Sticklebacks Fishing Countries

Sticklebacks are small, spiny-finned fish belonging to the family Gasterosteidae, commonly found in temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Notable for their bony armor and unique breeding behaviors, sticklebacks are more significant in ecological studies than in commercial fisheries, but they are sometimes harvested for use as bait, animal feed, or in the aquarium trade. The countries most associated with stickleback fishing or collection include the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia, where the species are abundant in coastal and freshwater habitats. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, sticklebacks are sometimes collected in these countries for research, local bait markets, and as a food source for farmed fish. Their importance lies more in scientific research and ecosystem roles than in direct human consumption or export.

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