The global fisheries and aquaculture sector is vast, spanning oceans, rivers, and farms — but some countries stand out by almost every measure: fleet size, production volume, export reach, and corporate clout. In this article, we explore which nations dominate global fishing, who does it most sustainably, and where you might source popular fishing gear.
1. Which country has the largest and most productive fishing fleet in the world
When it comes to sheer scale, China leads the world. According to a recent analysis of global fishing fleets, China accounts for approximately 14.4% of the global catch among the top 15 fleets — more than any other nation. IISD
Moreover, a 2022–2024 report on global fisheries estimates there are about 4.9 million fishing vessels worldwide, with Asia — led by China — hosting around 71% of them. Digital Library+1 That includes both motorized and non-motorized boats, meaning China’s fleet is not only large but covers many different kinds of fishing — coastal, inland, and distant-water. Wikipedia+2FAOHome+2
Additionally, China operates the largest distant-water fishing fleet in the world, sending vessels well beyond its own coastal zones — a major factor behind its high “global catch” contribution. Congress.gov+1
All of this suggests China has, currently, the largest — and one of the most productive — fishing fleets globally.
2. Which country has the most sustainable fishing
Size and productivity — while impressive — don’t guarantee sustainability. Overfishing, environmental impact, and poor fisheries management can erode fish populations and damage ecosystems. On those fronts, one nation often cited as a global model is Norway.
- Norway has long invested in regulated fisheries management, aiming to extract the “maximum sustainable yield” without endangering marine biodiversity. OECD+1
- It uses modern practices — such as scientific stock assessments, seasonal moratoriums, quota systems, and traceability — to ensure that fishing is conducted responsibly. climatecosmos.com+1
- Its aquaculture (especially salmon and trout farming) is widely regarded as among the most advanced and environmentally conscious globally, often cited in analyses of sustainable seafood production. Wikipedia+2Science Agri+2
Because of its careful balance between yield and ecological preservation, Norway is often highlighted as a leader in sustainable fishing. Aruna+1
That said — no country is perfect. Sustainability remains a global challenge, and even top-performing nations must constantly adapt to pressure from demand, climate change, and ecosystem shifts.
3. Which country leads the world in commercial fishing volume?
If we look at total fish production — including both aquaculture (fish farming) and capture fisheries (wild catch) — China again stands out as the world leader. According to recent statistics, China produced around 88.6 million metric tons of fish in 2022, far more than any other country. World ranking sites+1
Much of that comes from aquaculture: China’s aquaculture production dwarfs its capture fisheries, showing the country’s heavy investment in fish farming. World ranking sites+1
Behind China, countries like Indonesia, India, and Vietnam also make up the global top producers. World ranking sites+1
So in terms of commercial fishing volume — c ombining wild capture and aquaculture — China leads by a substantial margin.
4. What are the top fishing companies operating in the country with the highest fish catch?
Given China’s dominance in fishing output, many of the world’s largest fishing and seafood processing companies are either based there or heavily operate there. Some key players include:
- China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC): This state-owned firm runs China’s distant-water fishing operations, sending trawlers across oceans to catch a variety of species. Wikipedia+1
- Pacific Andes International Holdings: Though pan-Asian, this company has been historically tied to China’s fishing and seafood processing infrastructure, especially in deep-sea fish products and global distribution. Wikipedia+1
Beyond China, major global seafood companies include Mowi ASA (Norway) — one of the world’s largest producers of farmed salmon and trout. Wikipedia+1
These firms help turn raw catch into globally traded seafood — fillets, frozen products, canned fish — and link global consumers to the fish caught and farmed in China and other leading nations.
5. Where can I buy fishing gear popular in the country with the largest fishing industry?
Since China dominates global fish production and has a massive domestic fishing industry, fishing gear — boats, nets, rods, aquaculture gear — produced there is often sold globally. If you’re in Pakistan (as you mentioned earlier), you may find such gear through a few routes:
- Local fishing-gear markets or suppliers may import Chinese-made nets, lines, hooks, and even small motorized boats.
- International online marketplaces (or wholesalers) that source from Chinese manufacturers — look for products labeled with “Made in China,” or for suppliers exporting nets, trawling gear, fishing rods, aquaculture cages, etc.
- Regional distributors — in South Asia or the Middle East — that buy in bulk from Chinese exporters and distribute to local fishermen.
Given how widely Chinese fishing gear is used globally (thanks to China’s massive industrial output and export networks), chances are fairly high that you can find fishing gear used in China in your region — especially nets, hooks, lines, cold storage or fish-processing equipment, and aquaculture supplies.
6. Which nation exports the most seafood globally?
When it comes to seafood exports — not just catch volume — China again tops the list. Recent data (2025 estimate) suggests China’s seafood exports are valued at around USD 24.8 billion, the highest of any country. Maritime Education+1
This dominance is powered both by China’s huge production (wild + aquaculture) and its extensive processing, packaging, and logistics capacity. Maritime Education+1
Behind China, other major exporters include Norway — especially seafood like salmon, cod, and pelagic fish — which remains a top exporter globally. Maritime Education+2OECD+2
Conclusion
Overall, if we measure fishing by fleet size, production volume, and export capacity — the country that stands out is clearly China. Its vast fleet (coastal, inland, distant-water), massive aquaculture industry, and global processing capacity make it the world’s fishing powerhouse.
That said — when it comes to sustainable practices, careful fisheries management, and a legacy of regulated fishing — Norway often earns high marks, serving as a model for how fishing and environmental stewardship can coexist.
Your interest in where to buy fishing gear popular in China is realistic: many tools and equipment produced for China’s vast fisheries are exported worldwide — so local markets or online suppliers are likely to carry them. And if you care about sustainability, there’s a growing global movement (inspired by countries like Norway) to support responsibly sourced seafood and fishing gear.