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.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demersal percomorphs nei | 2,010 |
| 2 | Pelagic percomorphs nei | 1,596 |
| 3 | Frigate tuna | 1,276 |
| 4 | Skipjack tuna | 1,250 |
| 5 | Yellowfin tuna | 952 |
| 6 | Marine fishes nei | 473 |
| 7 | Wahoo | 117 |
| 8 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 51 |
| 9 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 11 |
| 10 | Marine molluscs nei | 9 |
| 11 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 8 |
| 12 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 4 |
| 13 | Bigeye tuna | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.