Top Turbot Fishing Countries

The turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a highly prized flatfish native to the northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean, recognized for its delicate, firm white flesh and diamond-shaped body. Turbot is mainly targeted by commercial fisheries using trawling and gillnetting methods, as well as being farmed in aquaculture. The leading turbot fishing countries are Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, with Spain being particularly renowned for both wild-caught and farmed turbot, supplying much of the European market. Denmark and the Netherlands also contribute significantly to turbot landings, thanks to their active North Sea fisheries. Over the past decades, increased demand and pressure on wild stocks have led to the development of sustainable aquaculture, especially in Spain and France, helping to stabilize supply and support the turbot industry in these top-producing nations.

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