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.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Clupeoids nei | 49,730 |
2 | Estuarine crocodile | 37,241 |
3 | Blue grenadier | 10,852 |
4 | Blue mackerel | 8,929 |
5 | Greenback horse mackerel | 7,204 |
6 | Southern bluefin tuna | 6,577 |
7 | Australian spiny lobster | 6,535 |
8 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 5,417 |
9 | Banana prawn | 3,765 |
10 | Marine fishes nei | 3,512 |
11 | Mullets nei | 3,245 |
12 | Southern Australia scallop | 3,232 |
13 | Patagonian toothfish | 3,137 |
14 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 3,105 |
15 | Flatheads nei | 3,066 |
16 | Sillago-whitings | 3,041 |
17 | Southern rock lobster | 2,946 |
18 | Gummy shark | 2,714 |
19 | Western school shrimp | 2,329 |
20 | Giant tiger prawn | 2,127 |
21 | Orange roughy | 1,974 |
22 | Brown seaweeds | 1,923 |
23 | Mackerels nei | 1,727 |
24 | Blacklip abalone | 1,595 |
25 | Blue swimming crab | 1,366 |
26 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 1,219 |
27 | Yellowfin tuna | 1,216 |
28 | Australian salmon | 1,193 |
29 | Albacore | 1,101 |
30 | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel | 1,055 |
31 | Mackerel icefish | 1,023 |
32 | Barramundi(=Giant seaperch) | 1,021 |
33 | Scallops nei | 1,006 |
34 | Marine crustaceans nei | 944 |
35 | Endeavour shrimp | 884 |
36 | Pink cusk-eel | 875 |
37 | Eastern school shrimp | 831 |
38 | Swordfish | 785 |
39 | Leopard coralgrouper | 684 |
40 | Threadfins, tasselfishes nei | 640 |
41 | Sea urchins nei | 618 |
42 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 559 |
43 | Various squids nei | 542 |
44 | Pipi wedge clam | 540 |
45 | Silver seabream | 477 |
46 | Puffers nei | 448 |
47 | Abalones nei | 446 |
48 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 410 |
49 | Bigeye tuna | 371 |
50 | Redfish | 343 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.