Top Algeria Fish Catches

Algeria’s fishing industry, while modest compared to some Mediterranean neighbors, plays a vital role in the country’s coastal economy and food supply. The industry is centered along Algeria’s 1,200-kilometer Mediterranean coastline, with key ports such as Algiers, Oran, and Annaba. The most significant fish catches include sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and sardinella—small pelagic species that dominate both artisanal and industrial landings. Other important species are red mullet, hake, and cephalopods like octopus and cuttlefish. Historically, Algerian fishing has deep roots, with traditional methods practiced for centuries, but modern development accelerated after independence in 1962, as the government invested in fleet expansion and port infrastructure. Despite these efforts, the industry faces challenges such as overfishing, limited modernization, and competition with foreign fleets, but it remains an important source of employment and nutrition for coastal communities.

RankFish SpeciesMetric Tons
1European pilchard(=Sardine)30,525
2Sardinellas nei23,755
3Clupeoids nei6,800
4Swordfish3,305
5Whiting2,785
6Jack and horse mackerels nei2,550
7Bullet tuna1,840
8Atlantic bluefin tuna1,685
9Deep-water rose shrimp1,250
10European anchovy1,230
11Greater weever620
12Blue and red shrimp550
13Octopuses, etc. nei510
14Atlantic bonito495
15Common dentex345
16Bogue310
17Marine fishes nei305
18Marine crustaceans nei285
19Common squids nei270
20Common cuttlefish240
21Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj)200
22Monkfishes nei135
23Groupers nei110
24Rays, stingrays, mantas nei100
25Greater forkbeard90
25Scorpionfishes, redfishes nei90
27Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei75
28Salema50
28John dory50
30Sand steenbras45
31Common pandora40
32European hake35
34Pargo breams nei20
34Norway lobster20
34Marine molluscs nei20
36Yellowfin tuna15
38Saddled seabream10
38Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei10
38European conger10
40Mullets nei5
40Common sole5

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