Turbot

Biology and habitat

Species description
The turbot (Scophthalmus maxiumus), also called called Psetta maxima, belongs to the family of Scophthalmidae. It is a demersal flatfish found in sandy shallow waters. 

Geographical distribution and habitat
Turbot (Scophtalmus maxiumus) is found in the Atlantic Northeast and Eastern Central, the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Southwest Pacific.

Resource, exploitation and management

Stock and resource status/conservation measures
The Minimum conservation size for turbot is 45 cm in the Black Sea, and 30 cm in others fishing areas. Stocks are managed via TACs and quotas for EU countries.

Production methods and fishing gears
The species is mainly produced in aquaculture, mostly in onshore tanks. Fishing gears include hooks and lines, as well as trawls.

Source: Information system on commercial designations

Catches

Evolution of world catches
Turbot catches reached 4.262 tonnes in 2023, i.e. 0,005% of the global catches. The majority of this is caught by the EU fleet (67% of the global catches), followed by the British and the Turkish fleets, with 14% and 11%, respectively. During the last decade (2014-2023), turbot catches have increased between 2014 and 2017 and have decreased since. Overall, catches decreased by 23% at global level in relation to the decrease of the EU catches (-33%).

Source: FAO

Evolution of EU catches
In 2023, the EU turbot catches reached 2.860 tonnes. The EU catches peaked in 2017 and decreased since. Overall catches have decreased by 33% during the last decade. The Netherlands was the main EU producer reaching 843 tonnes in 2023 (29% of EU production), followed by France and Denmark (representing 17% and 15% respectively). Catches from all fleets decreased over the last decade.

Source: FAO

Aquaculture production

Evolution of world production
The global turbot aquaculture production of turbot reached 73.423 tonnes in 2023. Turbot was farmed in three countries in 2023. China was the main producer, accounting for 83% of the production, Spain accounted for 13% and Portugal for 4% of the global production. Aquaculture production of turbot decreased between 2014 and 2017 (parallely to increasing turbot catches over the same period). Production then increased, peaking in 2019 and remained relatively stable since 2019. Overall, aquaculture turbot production slightly decreased over the last decade (-3%), in relation to the decrease of the Chinese production (-5%), and despite the 22% rise of the Spanish production.

Source: FAO

*production under the category ‘Others’ represents small volumes, hardly identifiable on the bar chart 

Processing

There is no PRODCOM code referring to turbot processed products.

Trade

Combined nomenclature 

EU trade of turbot products (tonnes –  2024)
Data concern Psetta maxima

Extra-EU imports of turbot are relatively low, reaching over 624 tonnes in 2024, almost all fresh (98%). In 2024, EU imports originated mostly from the United Kingdom (41% of the volume for 254 tonnes), Morroco (35% for 218 tonnes), and Norway (24% for 152 tonnes). The main importing countries within the EU in 2023 were Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, which together imported 84% of the imported volumes.

Source: EUROSTAT-COMEXT

Extra-EU exports: In 2024, export volumes of turbot totaled 490 tonnes. The majority of turbot was exported fresh (88%), while the rest is exported frozen. France and Spain were the largest exporters, representing 53% and 30% of the exports respectively. In 2024, the United Kingdom, Morocco and Norway were the only destination markets of extra-EU exports.

Supply balance

EU supply balance (2023) – Tonnes of live weight equivalent – Turbot:

Source: FAO/ EUROSTAT-COMEXT

Supply balance is provided for the year 2023 (trade data for 2023 were taken into account). Detailed trade data provided in the slide 5 concern the year 2024.
The conversion factors were used to convert net weight of imports and exports of fishery and aquaculture products into live weight equivalents. 

Prices along the supply chain (EUR/kg)

Ex-farm/First-sale (fresh)
Ex-farm and first sale prices are provided for the main EU producers (Portugal and Spain).

(*) From January to October 2025

Wholesale (fresh)
Wholesale prices are reported for Mercamadrid (Madrid, Spain) and Rungis (France).

(*) From January to October 2025

Retail/Consumption
Retail prices are reported for Spain and France.

(*) Latest available year

Extra-EU import (fresh whole)
EU imports from third countries concern mainly fresh whole/gutted turbot. Main importers were Spain, the Netherland, and Sweden in 2024.

(*) From January to September 2025

Extra-EU export (fresh whole)
France and Spain were the main EU exporter of turot to third countries. EU exports are mainly composed of fresh whole/gutted turbot.

(*) From January to September 2025

Marketing

National lists of commercial designations

Information system on commercial designations and scientific names in all EU languages

The minimum conservation reference sizes for turbot (Scophthalmus maxiumus) constitute minimum marketing sizes

There is no name protected under Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for turbot

Consumption

Turbot is not among the 15th most consumed species in the EU (source: The EU Fish Market – 2025 edition, EUMOFA)

Apparent consumption per capita of turbot in 2023: 0,04 kg live weight equivalent (source: Supply balance - 2023 EUMOFA)

Nutritional value (Turbot, nutrition values per serving 100g)