Cameroon’s fishing industry, centered along its Atlantic coast and extensive river systems, plays a crucial role in local food security and livelihoods. The country’s top fish catches include species such as tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and sardines (Ethmalosa fimbriata), as well as various marine species like croakers and barracuda. Artisanal fishing dominates, employing thousands along coastal and inland waters, while industrial trawlers target marine stocks for both domestic consumption and export. Historically, fishing in Cameroon has been a traditional practice among coastal and riverine communities, but since the mid-20th century, the sector has modernized with the introduction of motorized boats and improved gear. Despite its potential, the industry faces challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and inadequate infrastructure, prompting government and international efforts to promote sustainable practices and enhance fish production.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonga shad | 100,900 |
| 2 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 32,705 |
| 3 | Freshwater fishes nei | 32,495 |
| 4 | West African croakers nei | 23,050 |
| 5 | Bobo croaker | 14,390 |
| 6 | Marine fishes nei | 12,895 |
| 7 | Marine crabs nei | 11,085 |
| 8 | Barracudas nei | 9,230 |
| 9 | Sea catfishes nei | 9,105 |
| 10 | Threadfins, tasselfishes nei | 8,640 |
| 11 | Tonguefishes | 7,115 |
| 12 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 6,325 |
| 13 | Goatfishes, red mullets nei | 6,260 |
| 14 | Ribbonfishes | 5,810 |
| 15 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 2,845 |
| 16 | Sardinellas nei | 2,625 |
| 17 | Pargo breams nei | 2,565 |
| 18 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 1,485 |
| 19 | African sicklefish | 1,440 |
| 20 | Mackerels nei | 1,410 |
| 21 | Cassava croaker | 970 |
| 22 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 610 |
| 23 | Madeiran sardinella | 555 |
| 24 | Lesser African threadfin | 545 |
| 25 | West African ilisha | 535 |
| 26 | Atlantic emperor | 515 |
| 27 | Turbots nei | 465 |
| 28 | Sompat grunt | 370 |
| 29 | Angelsharks, sand devils nei | 350 |
| 30 | Needlefishes, etc. nei | 290 |
| 31 | Royal threadfin | 215 |
| 32 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 185 |
| 32 | African moonfish | 185 |
| 34 | Crevalle jack | 175 |
| 35 | Round sardinella | 165 |
| 36 | Atlantic bumper | 105 |
| 37 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 95 |
| 38 | Groupers nei | 80 |
| 39 | Canary drum(=Baardman) | 70 |
| 39 | Flyingfishes nei | 70 |
| 41 | Atlantic bonito | 60 |
| 42 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 30 |
| 43 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 20 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.