Gabon’s fishing industry is a vital part of its coastal economy, renowned for both artisanal and industrial catches. The country’s Atlantic waters are rich in marine biodiversity, with top fish catches including barracuda, snapper, grouper, tarpon, and the prized Atlantic sailfish, which draws sport fishers from around the world. Gabon’s commercial fisheries focus on species such as sardines, tuna, and shrimp, supporting local markets and exports. Historically, fishing in Gabon was primarily small-scale and community-based, but the sector has expanded since the mid-20th century with government initiatives and foreign investment. Today, Gabon is recognized for its sustainable fishing practices, especially within its network of marine protected areas, balancing economic growth with conservation of its abundant fisheries resources.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sampa | 7,590 |
| 2 | Bonga shad | 6,405 |
| 3 | Mullets nei | 2,195 |
| 4 | West African croakers nei | 2,050 |
| 5 | African obscure snakehead | 1,415 |
| 6 | Dentex nei | 1,205 |
| 7 | Giant African threadfin | 1,080 |
| 8 | Marine fishes nei | 1,050 |
| 9 | Black catfishes nei | 705 |
| 9 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 705 |
| 11 | Barracudas nei | 655 |
| 12 | Freshwater siluroids nei | 635 |
| 13 | Tilapias nei | 530 |
| 14 | Sea catfishes nei | 460 |
| 14 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 460 |
| 16 | Royal threadfin | 445 |
| 17 | Flatfishes nei | 385 |
| 18 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 345 |
| 19 | Freshwater fishes nei | 320 |
| 20 | Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei | 300 |
| 21 | Lesser African threadfin | 230 |
| 22 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 185 |
| 23 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 155 |
| 24 | Snappers nei | 145 |
| 25 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 135 |
| 26 | West African goatfish | 125 |
| 27 | Groupers nei | 115 |
| 28 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 105 |
| 29 | Bobo croaker | 95 |
| 30 | Various squids nei | 85 |
| 31 | Marine crabs nei | 60 |
| 32 | Largehead hairtail | 50 |
| 32 | African sicklefish | 50 |
| 34 | Southern pink shrimp | 40 |
| 34 | Bigeye tuna | 40 |
| 36 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 30 |
| 41 | Pandoras nei | 20 |
| 41 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 20 |
| 41 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 20 |
| 41 | Groupers, seabasses nei | 20 |
| 41 | Canary drum(=Baardman) | 20 |
| 41 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 20 |
| 41 | Bogue | 20 |
| 41 | Bearded brotula | 20 |
| 41 | Yellowfin tuna | 20 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.