Top Falkland Islands Malvinas Fish Catches

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) boast a thriving fishing industry that forms the backbone of the territory’s economy, accounting for the majority of its exports and government revenue. The industry took off in the 1980s after the declaration of the Falkland Islands Interim Conservation and Management Zone, which allowed the government to regulate and license fishing in its rich surrounding waters. The top catches include the Patagonian squid (Loligo gahi), which is the most valuable and abundant species, along with various finfish such as hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), southern blue whiting, and Patagonian toothfish. The sustainable management of these resources, particularly squid, has been central to the industry’s success, with the Falklands renowned for their well-regulated fisheries that attract international fleets, especially from Spain and South Korea. Over the decades, the fishing industry has transformed the islands’ economy, shifting it from sheep farming to a modern, export-driven sector.

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