Top Faroe Islands Fish Catches

The Faroe Islands’ fishing industry is the backbone of the nation’s economy, accounting for around 90% of total exports and employment for a significant portion of the population. The islands’ rich, cold North Atlantic waters are particularly abundant in Atlantic cod, haddock, and saithe (coalfish), which have historically been the mainstay of Faroese catches. In recent decades, mackerel, herring, and blue whiting have also become important, with substantial quotas and modern fleets targeting these pelagic species. Fishing has shaped Faroese society since the Viking Age, evolving from small-scale subsistence to a highly regulated, technologically advanced industry. Today, the Faroe Islands are known for their sustainable fisheries management, balancing economic needs with the preservation of marine resources.

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