Guinea’s fishing industry is a vital sector for both its economy and food security, with the country’s Atlantic coastline providing rich marine resources. The top fish catches in Guinea include small pelagic species such as sardinella, bonga shad, and anchovies, which are crucial for local consumption and regional trade. Demersal species like croakers, groupers, and snappers are also significant, alongside crustaceans such as shrimp. The industry has a long history, traditionally dominated by artisanal fishing, which still employs the majority of fishers and supplies most of the domestic market. In recent decades, industrial fishing—often by foreign fleets—has expanded, sometimes leading to overexploitation concerns. Despite challenges like illegal fishing and limited infrastructure, fisheries remain essential for livelihoods and nutrition in Guinea.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonga shad | 86,520 |
| 2 | Freshwater fishes nei | 43,260 |
| 3 | Sea catfishes nei | 41,095 |
| 4 | Royal threadfin | 37,855 |
| 5 | Sardinellas nei | 35,690 |
| 6 | Carangids nei | 24,875 |
| 7 | Croakers, drums nei | 10,250 |
| 8 | Bobo croaker | 9,405 |
| 9 | Mullets nei | 7,655 |
| 10 | Lesser African threadfin | 6,880 |
| 11 | Flatfishes nei | 6,385 |
| 12 | Porgies, seabreams nei | 5,745 |
| 13 | Atlantic bumper | 4,975 |
| 14 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 3,945 |
| 15 | Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei | 2,130 |
| 16 | West African ilisha | 1,925 |
| 17 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 1,625 |
| 18 | West African croakers nei | 1,605 |
| 19 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 1,195 |
| 20 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 960 |
| 21 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 690 |
| 22 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 175 |
| 23 | Bigeye grunt | 20 |
| 24 | Common squids nei | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.