Top Australia Fish Catches

Australia’s fishing industry is both economically significant and ecologically diverse, shaped by its vast coastline and rich marine environments. The country’s top fish catches include species such as barramundi, southern bluefin tuna, snapper, flathead, and Australian salmon, alongside valuable shellfish like rock lobster and prawns. Commercial fishing in Australia dates back to the early 19th century, initially focused on local consumption and export of salted fish. Over time, the industry expanded with advancements in technology and the development of export markets, particularly for high-value species like tuna and lobster. Today, Australia emphasizes sustainable fishing practices, with strict quotas and management systems to protect its unique marine biodiversity while supporting a robust seafood export sector.

RankFish SpeciesMetric Tons
1Clupeoids nei49,730
2Estuarine crocodile37,241
3Blue grenadier10,852
4Blue mackerel8,929
5Greenback horse mackerel7,204
6Southern bluefin tuna6,577
7Australian spiny lobster6,535
8Snappers, jobfishes nei5,417
9Banana prawn3,765
10Marine fishes nei3,512
11Mullets nei3,245
12Southern Australia scallop3,232
13Patagonian toothfish3,137
14Penaeus shrimps nei3,105
15Flatheads nei3,066
16Sillago-whitings3,041
17Southern rock lobster2,946
18Gummy shark2,714
19Western school shrimp2,329
20Giant tiger prawn2,127
21Orange roughy1,974
22Brown seaweeds1,923
23Mackerels nei1,727
24Blacklip abalone1,595
25Blue swimming crab1,366
26Octopuses, etc. nei1,219
27Yellowfin tuna1,216
28Australian salmon1,193
29Albacore1,101
30Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel1,055
31Mackerel icefish1,023
32Barramundi(=Giant seaperch)1,021
33Scallops nei1,006
34Marine crustaceans nei944
35Endeavour shrimp884
36Pink cusk-eel875
37Eastern school shrimp831
38Swordfish785
39Leopard coralgrouper684
40Threadfins, tasselfishes nei640
41Sea urchins nei618
42Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei559
43Various squids nei542
44Pipi wedge clam540
45Silver seabream477
46Puffers nei448
47Abalones nei446
48Tropical spiny lobsters nei410
49Bigeye tuna371
50Redfish343

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