Anguilla, a small Caribbean island, boasts a vibrant fishing industry rooted in its rich maritime heritage. Traditionally, local fishers have relied on small-scale, artisanal methods, using handlines, fish traps, and nets to harvest the island’s abundant marine resources. The top fish catches in Anguilla include snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), and jacks, along with spiny lobster and queen conch, which are also economically significant. Over the years, the fishing industry has played a vital role in local livelihoods and food security, with exports—especially of lobster and conch—supporting the economy. While commercial fishing remains limited in scale, sustainable practices and government regulations aim to preserve Anguilla’s marine biodiversity for future generations.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Marine fishes nei | 410 |
2 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 250 |
3 | Stromboid conchs nei | 90 |
4 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 60 |
5 | Caribbean spiny lobster | 30 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.