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.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | European pilchard(=Sardine) | 30,525 |
2 | Sardinellas nei | 23,755 |
3 | Clupeoids nei | 6,800 |
4 | Swordfish | 3,305 |
5 | Whiting | 2,785 |
6 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 2,550 |
7 | Bullet tuna | 1,840 |
8 | Atlantic bluefin tuna | 1,685 |
9 | Deep-water rose shrimp | 1,250 |
10 | European anchovy | 1,230 |
11 | Greater weever | 620 |
12 | Blue and red shrimp | 550 |
13 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 510 |
14 | Atlantic bonito | 495 |
15 | Common dentex | 345 |
16 | Bogue | 310 |
17 | Marine fishes nei | 305 |
18 | Marine crustaceans nei | 285 |
19 | Common squids nei | 270 |
20 | Common cuttlefish | 240 |
21 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 200 |
22 | Monkfishes nei | 135 |
23 | Groupers nei | 110 |
24 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 100 |
25 | Greater forkbeard | 90 |
25 | Scorpionfishes, redfishes nei | 90 |
27 | Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei | 75 |
28 | Salema | 50 |
28 | John dory | 50 |
30 | Sand steenbras | 45 |
31 | Common pandora | 40 |
32 | European hake | 35 |
34 | Pargo breams nei | 20 |
34 | Norway lobster | 20 |
34 | Marine molluscs nei | 20 |
36 | Yellowfin tuna | 15 |
38 | Saddled seabream | 10 |
38 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 10 |
38 | European conger | 10 |
40 | Mullets nei | 5 |
40 | Common sole | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.