The Thinlip Grey Mullet (Chelon ramada) is a coastal fish species found in the eastern Atlantic, from Scandinavia to West Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Recognized for its slender body and distinctive thin upper lip, this mullet thrives in estuaries, lagoons, and brackish waters. The species is highly valued for both commercial and recreational fishing, prized for its delicate flavor and roe. The top countries harvesting Thinlip Grey Mullet are Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, and Egypt, where traditional fishing methods such as seine netting and gillnetting are commonly used. In these nations, the mullet supports local economies, with its roe (bottarga) considered a delicacy, and the fish itself featured in regional cuisines. The fishing industry for Thinlip Grey Mullet in these countries is regulated to ensure sustainability, given the species' importance to both fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | France | 164 |
2 | Portugal | 104 |
3 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 70 |
4 | Spain | 45 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.