Ireland’s fishing industry has long been a vital part of its coastal communities, with a rich history dating back centuries. The country's Atlantic waters are renowned for their abundance and diversity, making them prime grounds for both commercial and recreational fishing. The top fish catches in Ireland include mackerel, herring, whiting, haddock, and cod, with pelagic species like mackerel and herring dominating the commercial sector due to their high export value. Shellfish such as prawns, crabs, and scallops are also significant contributors. Over the years, the industry has evolved from small-scale, traditional practices to a modern fleet, though it continues to face challenges from changing EU regulations and sustainability concerns. Despite these challenges, fishing remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s coastal economy and cultural heritage.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlantic mackerel | 52,294 |
| 2 | Blue whiting(=Poutassou) | 28,582 |
| 3 | North Atlantic rockweed | 28,000 |
| 4 | Jack and horse mackerels nei | 15,801 |
| 5 | Boarfishes nei | 14,055 |
| 6 | Edible crab | 7,393 |
| 7 | European sprat | 7,301 |
| 8 | Norway lobster | 6,235 |
| 9 | Atlantic herring | 5,866 |
| 10 | Haddock | 5,491 |
| 11 | Whelk | 4,803 |
| 12 | Anglerfishes nei | 3,839 |
| 13 | Albacore | 3,374 |
| 14 | European hake | 3,330 |
| 15 | Whiting | 2,237 |
| 16 | Great Atlantic scallop | 2,217 |
| 17 | Megrims nei | 1,990 |
| 18 | European pilchard(=Sardine) | 1,006 |
| 19 | Green crab | 851 |
| 20 | Queen scallop | 833 |
| 21 | European lobster | 609 |
| 22 | Spinous spider crab | 582 |
| 23 | European anchovy | 520 |
| 24 | Atlantic cod | 470 |
| 25 | Witch flounder | 421 |
| 26 | Solen razor clams nei | 400 |
| 27 | Sword razor shell | 387 |
| 28 | Pollack | 369 |
| 28 | Saithe(=Pollock) | 369 |
| 30 | Blonde ray | 326 |
| 31 | Lemon sole | 319 |
| 32 | Velvet swimcrab | 308 |
| 33 | Ling | 284 |
| 34 | Thornback ray | 271 |
| 35 | European plaice | 218 |
| 36 | Palaemonid shrimps nei | 209 |
| 37 | Common sole | 190 |
| 38 | Small-spotted catshark | 162 |
| 39 | John dory | 150 |
| 40 | Turbot | 125 |
| 41 | European flat oyster | 122 |
| 42 | Common squids nei | 85 |
| 43 | Atlantic salmon | 84 |
| 44 | Pouting(=Bib) | 78 |
| 45 | Spotted ray | 60 |
| 46 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 53 |
| 46 | Flat oysters nei | 53 |
| 48 | Common shrimp | 50 |
| 49 | Gurnards, searobins nei | 47 |
| 50 | Palinurid spiny lobsters nei | 43 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.