The tusk, also known as cusk (Brosme brosme), is a deep-water marine fish found primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean. Characterized by its elongated body, single long dorsal fin, and chin barbel, the tusk is closely related to cod and haddock. The main countries involved in commercial tusk fishing are Norway, Iceland, and Russia, with Norway being the leading harvester due to its extensive North Atlantic coastline and established deep-sea fishing industry. Tusk is typically caught using longlines and trawls at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters, and its firm, white flesh is valued in both domestic and export markets. While tusk is less prominent than cod or haddock in global trade, it remains an important species for the fishing industries of these North Atlantic nations, contributing to local economies and traditional diets.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Norway | 12,485 |
2 | Faroe Islands | 2,308 |
3 | Iceland | 1,938 |
4 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 208 |
5 | Russian Federation | 167 |
6 | France | 142 |
7 | Canada | 141 |
8 | Spain | 113 |
9 | Greenland | 82 |
10 | United States of America | 27 |
11 | Denmark | 23 |
12 | Ireland | 12 |
13 | Sweden | 9 |
14 | Germany | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.