Argentina’s fishing industry is a vital sector of its economy, with the country’s long Atlantic coastline and productive waters supporting a diverse array of commercially important species. The top fish catches include Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi), which is the most significant by volume and export value, along with squid (Illex argentinus), Patagonian toothfish, shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), and anchovy. The industry has roots dating back to the early 20th century, growing rapidly after the 1950s with the expansion of industrial fleets and processing facilities. Today, Argentina is one of the leading fishing nations in South America, exporting much of its catch to Europe and Asia, while also managing challenges related to overfishing and international competition in the rich waters of the Southwest Atlantic.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Argentine hake | 284,682 |
2 | Argentine red shrimp | 208,458 |
3 | Argentine shortfin squid | 167,109 |
4 | Patagonian scallop | 47,803 |
5 | Whitemouth croaker | 22,658 |
6 | Patagonian grenadier | 21,087 |
7 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 14,309 |
8 | Southern blue whiting | 11,895 |
9 | Argentine anchovy | 9,674 |
10 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 6,393 |
11 | Brazilian flathead | 6,084 |
12 | Red porgy | 5,893 |
13 | Prochilods nei | 5,213 |
14 | Stripped weakfish | 5,065 |
15 | Common carp | 4,827 |
16 | Patagonian toothfish | 3,638 |
17 | Bastard halibuts nei | 3,299 |
18 | Argentinian silverside | 3,084 |
19 | Narrownose smooth-hound | 2,819 |
20 | Southern king crab | 2,135 |
21 | Pink cusk-eel | 1,583 |
22 | Argentine angelshark | 1,562 |
23 | Plownose chimaera | 1,426 |
24 | Argentine seabass | 871 |
25 | Tadpole codling | 741 |
26 | Ridge scaled rattail | 730 |
27 | Choicy ruff | 722 |
28 | Various sharks nei | 666 |
29 | Argentinian sandperch | 407 |
30 | Sea catfishes nei | 401 |
31 | Silversides(=Sand smelts) nei | 342 |
32 | Southwest Atlantic butterfish | 276 |
33 | Southern hake | 253 |
34 | Black drum | 249 |
35 | Argentine croaker | 201 |
36 | Parona leatherjacket | 183 |
37 | King weakfish | 155 |
38 | Bluefish | 153 |
39 | Yellownose skate | 140 |
40 | Brazilian menhaden | 119 |
41 | Wreckfish | 64 |
42 | American harvestfish | 63 |
43 | Argentine goatfish | 61 |
44 | Tope shark | 31 |
44 | Largehead hairtail | 31 |
46 | Marine crabs nei | 24 |
47 | Rough scad | 21 |
47 | Castaneta | 21 |
50 | Mullets nei | 20 |
50 | Rio skate | 20 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.