The Dominican Republic boasts a vibrant fishing industry, shaped by its rich Caribbean waters and longstanding coastal traditions. The country’s top fish catches include mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo, marlin (especially blue and white marlin), tuna, and snapper, all prized both for local consumption and export. Coastal communities have relied on artisanal fishing for generations, but the industry has grown to include commercial fleets and a thriving sport fishing sector, particularly around Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Historically, fishing was a subsistence activity, but since the mid-20th century, government initiatives and tourism have boosted investment and modernization. Today, the Dominican Republic is recognized for its sustainable fishing practices and its appeal as a premier destination for big-game anglers, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and culinary culture.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Groupers nei | 3,260 |
| 2 | Marine fishes nei | 2,105 |
| 3 | Tilapias nei | 1,660 |
| 4 | Caribbean spiny lobster | 1,565 |
| 5 | Stromboid conchs nei | 1,545 |
| 6 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 1,285 |
| 7 | Southern red snapper | 1,035 |
| 8 | Common dolphinfish | 900 |
| 9 | King mackerel | 710 |
| 10 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 585 |
| 11 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 495 |
| 12 | Albacore | 485 |
| 13 | Yellowtail snapper | 325 |
| 14 | Freshwater fishes nei | 235 |
| 15 | Yellowfin tuna | 220 |
| 16 | Blue runner | 190 |
| 16 | Carangids nei | 190 |
| 18 | Largemouth black bass | 150 |
| 19 | Atlantic sailfish | 125 |
| 20 | Red grouper | 115 |
| 21 | Mullets nei | 110 |
| 22 | Atlantic thread herring | 85 |
| 23 | Blue marlin | 75 |
| 23 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 75 |
| 25 | Common carp | 70 |
| 26 | Goatfishes, red mullets nei | 55 |
| 28 | Marine molluscs nei | 45 |
| 28 | Scaled sardines | 45 |
| 28 | Mountain mullet | 45 |
| 30 | Porgies | 40 |
| 31 | Cero | 25 |
| 33 | Pompanos nei | 20 |
| 33 | Parrotfishes nei | 20 |
| 33 | Common octopus | 20 |
| 33 | Skipjack tuna | 20 |
| 37 | Wrasses, hogfishes, etc. nei | 10 |
| 37 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 10 |
| 37 | Common squids nei | 10 |
| 43 | Barracudas nei | 5 |
| 43 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 5 |
| 43 | Mangrove cupped oyster | 5 |
| 43 | Snooks(=Robalos) nei | 5 |
| 43 | Wahoo | 5 |
| 43 | Weakfishes nei | 5 |
| 43 | Western Atlantic seabream | 5 |
| 43 | Marine crabs nei | 5 |
| 43 | American eel | 5 |
| 43 | Tarpon | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.