Top Martinique Fish Catches

Martinique’s fishing industry, while relatively small in scale compared to other Caribbean nations, is integral to the island’s culture and cuisine. The island’s rich marine waters yield a variety of prized catches, with top species including mahi-mahi (locally called dorade coryphène), king mackerel (thon banane), wahoo, tuna, and various types of snapper and grouper. Coastal fishers also target lobster, octopus, and sea urchins. Traditionally, Martinique’s fishing industry has been artisanal, relying on small boats (yoles and gommiers) and handlines, a practice that dates back to the island’s Indigenous and colonial eras. Over time, the industry has modernized but remains challenged by overfishing, competition from imported seafood, and environmental pressures. Despite these challenges, fishing continues to play a vital role in the local economy and gastronomy, with fresh catches prominently featured in Martinican markets and Creole dishes.

Rank	Fish Species	Metric Tons
1	Yellowfin tuna	386
2	Marine fishes nei	224
3	Bigeye scad	143
4	Common dolphinfish	142
5	Stromboid conchs nei	105
6	Blue marlin	90
7	Carangids nei	72
8	Snappers nei	64
9	Caribbean spiny lobster	59
10	Filefishes, leatherjackets nei	43
11	Blackfin tuna	30
12	Various sharks nei	25
13	Parrotfishes nei	18
14	Grunts, sweetlips nei	12
14	Tunas nei	12
16	Skipjack tuna	9
17	Atlantic sailfish	8
17	Marlins,sailfishes,etc. nei	8
19	Rainbow runner	7
21	Seerfishes nei	6
21	Barracudas nei	6
21	Yellowtail snapper	6
23	Red lionfish	5
25	Rays and skates nei	4
25	Squirrelfishes nei	4
25	Surgeonfishes nei	4
25	Flyingfishes nei	4
28	Wahoo	3
29	Sea egg	2
31	Octopuses, etc. nei	1
31	Morays eels, etc. nei	1
31	Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei	1
31	Groupers nei	1

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