Top West Coast Sole Fishing Countries

Sole refers to several flatfish species prized for their mild, delicate flavor and tender texture, with the most notable on the West Coast being the Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus). This species inhabits the continental shelf and slope from Baja California to the Bering Sea. The top West Coast sole fishing countries are the United States and Canada, both of which maintain significant commercial fisheries, particularly off the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. The U.S. Pacific fleet, especially in Alaska, is a global leader in Dover sole harvest, utilizing trawl fisheries regulated for sustainability. Canada’s Pacific fisheries, centered in British Columbia, also contribute substantially to the global supply. Both countries emphasize responsible management to ensure long-term viability of sole stocks and the health of marine ecosystems.

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