The Marshall Islands' fishing industry is a vital sector of its economy, primarily centered around tuna fisheries, which are among the nation's top catches. The surrounding Pacific waters are rich in highly migratory species such as skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna, making them the cornerstone of both the commercial and artisanal fishing sectors. The country’s fishing history dates back centuries with traditional subsistence fishing, but the industry expanded significantly in the late 20th century with the establishment of industrial-scale tuna fishing, driven by foreign fishing fleets operating under licensing agreements. In addition to tuna, other important catches include reef fish, marlin, and mahi-mahi, supporting local consumption and small-scale export. Today, the Marshall Islands continues to rely heavily on fishing license revenues and seeks to balance economic benefits with sustainable management of its marine resources.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Skipjack tuna | 71,324 |
2 | Yellowfin tuna | 11,512 |
3 | Bigeye tuna | 5,309 |
4 | Marine fishes nei | 2,800 |
5 | Blue shark | 245 |
6 | Blue marlin | 195 |
7 | Albacore | 150 |
8 | Silky shark | 47 |
9 | Black marlin | 21 |
10 | Swordfish | 15 |
11 | Striped marlin | 12 |
12 | Oceanic whitetip shark | 4 |
13 | Mako sharks | 2 |
14 | Hammerhead sharks, etc. nei | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.