Iceland ranks second in Europe—behind Norway—as the continent’s leading fishing nation. Russia, in contrast, ranks sixth in the world and first among European countries, but three-quarters of its catch comes from the Pacific Ocean, in the Asian part of the world’s largest country.
Globally, three Asian nations dominate the fishing and seafood production industry: China, Indonesia, and India. Given that these countries rank first, second, and fourth in global population, it makes sense—they have many mouths to feed.
The United States ranks eighth, fitting for the world’s third-most populous country, positioned between China and Indonesia. Norway ranks just below the U.S. in seafood production, but one-third of its total comes from aquaculture. In contrast, 80% of China’s seafood industry relies on fish farming, whereas in Iceland, the figure is well below 10%.
On the global scale, Iceland ranks 22nd in total seafood production. The Faroe Islands are further down the list at 34th, slightly behind France but ahead of Denmark, New Zealand, and South Africa—all of which have vast ocean territories.
Iceland 07/02/2025 – A7R IV, RX1R II, A7C R – FE 1.2/50mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z, FE 1.4/24 GM, FE 2.8/100mm GM – Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
