Whitson’s grenadier (Coelorinchus whitsoni) is a deep-sea fish species belonging to the rattail family (Macrouridae), typically found in the cold, deep waters of the Southern Ocean, particularly around sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic continental slope. This species is characterized by its elongated body, large head, and tapering tail, and is adapted to life at depths ranging from 500 to over 1,500 meters. The primary countries involved in the commercial harvest of Whitson’s grenadier are those with fishing fleets operating in the Southern Ocean, notably New Zealand, Russia, and occasionally vessels flagged to South Korea and Spain. These countries target grenadiers as part of multi-species deep-sea trawl fisheries, often alongside Patagonian toothfish and other demersal species. The catch is generally processed for export, with grenadier meat valued for its mild flavor and firm texture. International management of these fisheries is coordinated by bodies such as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to ensure sustainability and to mitigate the impact on fragile deep-sea ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.