Top Widow Rockfish Fishing Countries

The widow rockfish (*Sebastes entomelas*) is a medium-sized, deep-bodied marine fish found primarily along the Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California to Alaska. Recognized by its dark brown to black coloration and relatively slender build, the widow rockfish inhabits rocky reefs and continental shelf waters, often forming large schools at depths of 100 to 500 meters. The primary countries harvesting widow rockfish are the United States and Canada, with the bulk of commercial landings coming from the U.S. West Coast, particularly off California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as British Columbia in Canada. The fishery is managed under strict regulations to ensure sustainability, with quotas, gear restrictions, and monitoring programs in place. Widow rockfish are valued for their mild, flaky flesh and are primarily caught using trawl and hook-and-line methods, contributing significantly to the groundfish industry in the northeastern Pacific.

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