The spot flounder, a term often used for several commercially valuable flatfish species such as the European plaice (*Pleuronectes platessa*), the American summer flounder (*Paralichthys dentatus*), and the Japanese flounder (*Paralichthys olivaceus*), is prized for its mild flavor and delicate texture. The top three countries renowned for harvesting spot flounder species are Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands. Japan leads in both wild capture and aquaculture of Japanese flounder, which is a staple in sushi and sashimi markets. The United States, particularly along the Atlantic coast, supports a significant commercial and recreational fishery for summer flounder, with states like North Carolina and New Jersey at the forefront. The Netherlands, with its rich North Sea fishing grounds, is a major producer of European plaice, exporting much of its catch to other European countries. All three nations have developed robust management and sustainability measures to ensure the continued abundance of these valuable flatfish.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.