Top Cabo Verde Fish Catches

Cabo Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, boasts a vibrant fishing industry deeply rooted in its history and culture. The country’s rich Atlantic waters are renowned for abundant pelagic species, making it a hotspot for both artisanal and sport fishing. Top catches include yellowfin tuna, wahoo, blue marlin, and dorado (mahi-mahi), with tuna and marlin especially prized by both local fishers and international anglers. Historically, fishing has been a vital livelihood for Cabo Verdeans, providing food security and export revenue, with the industry evolving from traditional small-scale methods to include modern fleets and processing facilities. Today, Cabo Verde’s fisheries remain crucial to its economy, balancing local consumption, export markets, and a thriving sport fishing tourism sector.

RankFish SpeciesMetric Tons
1Demersal percomorphs nei2,010
2Pelagic percomorphs nei1,596
3Frigate tuna1,276
4Skipjack tuna1,250
5Yellowfin tuna952
6Marine fishes nei473
7Wahoo117
8Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj)51
9Tropical spiny lobsters nei11
10Marine molluscs nei9
11Octopuses, etc. nei8
12Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei4
13Bigeye tuna2

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