Top Striped Bonito Fishing Countries

The striped bonito (Sarda orientalis) is a fast-swimming, predatory fish found in the warm and temperate waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the eastern coast of Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific. Recognizable by its streamlined body and distinctive horizontal stripes, the striped bonito is valued both as a commercial and sport fish. The top countries harvesting striped bonito include Japan, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, where the species is caught primarily with purse seines, gillnets, and trolling lines. In these nations, striped bonito supports local economies and provides a significant source of protein, with Japan leading in both catch volume and processing, often using the fish for products like katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). The global striped bonito fishery is part of the broader tuna and mackerel industry, and sustainable management is increasingly emphasized to ensure healthy stocks for future generations.

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