Top Walrus Fishing Countries

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large marine mammal found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for its distinctive tusks and whiskered face. While not a fish, walrus have historically been hunted for their meat, blubber, skin, and ivory, primarily by Indigenous peoples such as the Inuit, Chukchi, and other Arctic communities. The top countries involved in walrus hunting are Russia, Canada, Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark), and the United States (specifically Alaska). In these countries, walrus harvesting is tightly regulated and largely limited to Indigenous subsistence hunting, which is vital for cultural traditions and local economies. Commercial walrus hunting is banned under international agreements and national laws to protect populations, making the modern walrus "fishing" industry small-scale and focused on sustainable, traditional use rather than large-scale commercial exploitation.

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