The fishing industry in Ascension, Saint Helena, and Tristan da Cunha—remote British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic—is small but vital to local economies and food security. The region’s top fish catches include tuna (especially yellowfin and bigeye), wahoo, and various species of grouper and lobster, with Tristan da Cunha particularly renowned for its sustainable Tristan rock lobster fishery, which has earned Marine Stewardship Council certification. Historically, fishing was subsistence-based, but over time, especially since the mid-20th century, it has developed into a regulated commercial industry, with exports—mainly lobster from Tristan da Cunha—providing crucial revenue. Strict conservation measures and limited fishing licenses help preserve marine resources, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this unique and isolated fishery.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tristan da Cunha rock lobster | 410 |
| 2 | Yellowfin tuna | 67 |
| 3 | Wahoo | 5 |
| 4 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 4 |
| 5 | Bigeyes nei | 2 |
| 5 | Conger eels, etc. nei | 2 |
| 8 | Bigeye tuna | 1 |
| 8 | Carangids nei | 1 |
| 8 | Marine fishes nei | 1 |
| 8 | Skipjack tuna | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.