El Salvador’s fishing industry, though modest compared to some of its Central American neighbors, plays a vital role in the country’s coastal economy and food security. The nation’s Pacific coastline yields a variety of top fish catches, with Pacific sardine, snapper (notably red snapper), mahi-mahi (dorado), and tuna among the most commercially significant species. Artisanal fishing dominates, with small-scale fishers using traditional boats and gear, though there is also a growing commercial fleet targeting tuna and shrimp for export. Historically, El Salvador’s fishing sector developed in the mid-20th century, with government support and international aid programs helping to modernize fleets and improve infrastructure. Today, the industry faces challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and competition from larger regional fleets, but it remains a crucial source of employment and nutrition for coastal communities.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skipjack tuna | 27,568 |
| 2 | Yellowfin tuna | 11,946 |
| 3 | Bigeye tuna | 8,321 |
| 4 | Marine fishes nei | 8,130 |
| 5 | Pacific seabobs | 950 |
| 6 | Scads nei | 770 |
| 7 | Whiteleg shrimp | 475 |
| 8 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 455 |
| 9 | Nile tilapia | 385 |
| 10 | Frigate tuna | 360 |
| 11 | Freshwater fishes nei | 330 |
| 12 | Crystal shrimp | 210 |
| 13 | Jaguar guapote | 110 |
| 14 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 45 |
| 15 | Various squids nei | 35 |
| 16 | Freshwater molluscs nei | 15 |
| 17 | Catfishes nei | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.