The British Virgin Islands (BVI) boast a vibrant fishing industry deeply rooted in the islands' maritime culture and economy. Renowned for their crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, the BVI are especially famous for sportfishing, with top catches including blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), wahoo, and kingfish. Traditional local fisheries focus on snapper, grouper, and lobster, which are staples in the local diet and vital to small-scale commercial fishing. The fishing industry has historically been a cornerstone of the BVI’s livelihood, evolving from subsistence and artisanal practices to a blend of commercial export and thriving recreational charter fishing. Today, sustainable practices and marine conservation efforts are increasingly emphasized to preserve the islands’ rich fish stocks for future generations.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Marine fishes nei | 720 |
2 | Yellowtail snapper | 230 |
3 | Snappers nei | 70 |
4 | Caribbean spiny lobster | 40 |
5 | Boxfishes nei | 30 |
6 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 25 |
7 | Stromboid conchs nei | 5 |
7 | Yellowfin tuna | 5 |
9 | Seerfishes nei | 4 |
10 | Wahoo | 3 |
11 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 2 |
12 | Groupers nei | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.