Top Canada Fish Catches

Canada’s fishing industry is one of the world’s largest and most diverse, thanks to its vast coastline and abundant freshwater resources. The top fish catches in Canada include Atlantic species such as Atlantic cod, haddock, and herring, as well as Pacific species like salmon (especially sockeye, chinook, and pink salmon), halibut, and sablefish. In freshwater, walleye, northern pike, and lake trout are prominent. Historically, fishing has been central to Canada’s economy and culture, with Indigenous peoples practicing sustainable fishing for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The cod fishery in Newfoundland was once among the world’s richest, but overfishing led to a dramatic collapse in the early 1990s, prompting stricter regulations and a shift toward shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp. Today, Canada’s fishing industry is a vital export sector, balancing economic interests with conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of its rich aquatic resources.

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