The Channel Islands, a group of British Crown Dependencies off the coast of Normandy, have a long and storied tradition of fishing that dates back centuries. The fishing industry here has historically been a cornerstone of local economies, with generations of islanders relying on the rich surrounding waters. Today, the top catches include species such as bass, lobster, crab (especially spider and brown crab), mackerel, and cuttlefish. Lobster and crab are particularly important, both commercially and for export, with sustainable potting methods widely used. The industry has evolved from small-scale, subsistence fishing to a more regulated and sustainable commercial enterprise, balancing economic needs with conservation. Despite challenges such as changing regulations and competition from larger fleets, Channel Islands fishers continue to uphold their maritime heritage while adapting to modern demands.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edible crab | 910 |
| 2 | Great Atlantic scallop | 540 |
| 3 | Spinous spider crab | 285 |
| 4 | European lobster | 200 |
| 5 | Whelk | 185 |
| 6 | Blonde ray | 55 |
| 7 | Pollack | 30 |
| 8 | Sandeels(=Sandlances) nei | 20 |
| 9 | European seabass | 15 |
| 10 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 10 |
| 14 | Dogfishes and hounds nei | 5 |
| 14 | European conger | 5 |
| 14 | Common cuttlefish | 5 |
| 14 | Ballan wrasse | 5 |
| 14 | Mullets nei | 5 |
| 14 | Small-spotted catshark | 5 |
| 14 | Surmullet | 5 |
| 14 | Atlantic mackerel | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.