Top Yellowtail Amberjack Fishing Countries

The Yellowtail Amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata), also known simply as yellowtail or Japanese amberjack, is a prized pelagic fish found in the temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly around East Asia. Renowned for its firm, flavorful flesh, yellowtail is a staple in Japanese cuisine, especially as sushi and sashimi. Japan is by far the leading country in both wild capture and aquaculture of yellowtail amberjack, with extensive farming operations (hamachi and buri) along its coastal waters. South Korea and China also contribute significantly to the harvest, both through wild fisheries and expanding aquaculture industries. Australia and New Zealand have smaller but growing yellowtail amberjack fisheries, targeting the closely related species Seriola lalandi, which is marketed as “kingfish” or “yellowtail kingfish.” The global yellowtail industry is driven by high demand in Asian markets, with Japan remaining the dominant producer and consumer.

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