Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, boasts a vibrant fishing industry that has long been integral to its economy and culture. The country’s top fish catches include tuna (especially yellowfin and skipjack), dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and swordfish, with tuna being the cornerstone of both the artisanal and industrial sectors. Deep-sea fishing for big game species such as marlin and sailfish also attracts sport fishers from around the world, contributing to tourism. Historically, fishing in Mauritius began as a subsistence activity among early settlers, but it expanded significantly in the 20th century with the development of industrial tuna fishing and processing for export, particularly to Europe and Asia. Today, Mauritius remains a regional hub for fish processing and export, while also striving to balance economic growth with sustainable fishing practices to preserve its rich marine biodiversity.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skipjack tuna | 13,804 |
| 2 | Yellowfin tuna | 11,191 |
| 3 | Bigeye tuna | 2,974 |
| 4 | Marine fishes nei | 1,694 |
| 5 | Emperors(=Scavengers) nei | 818 |
| 6 | Albacore | 625 |
| 7 | Octopuses, etc. nei | 619 |
| 8 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 547 |
| 9 | Marlins,sailfishes,etc. nei | 399 |
| 10 | Snappers, jobfishes nei | 171 |
| 11 | Frigate tuna | 137 |
| 12 | Swordfish | 103 |
| 13 | Groupers, seabasses nei | 67 |
| 14 | Blue marlin | 52 |
| 15 | Common dolphinfish | 28 |
| 16 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 24 |
| 17 | Indo-Pacific sailfish | 12 |
| 18 | Black marlin | 7 |
| 19 | Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei | 4 |
| 21 | Indo-Pacific swamp crab | 2 |
| 21 | Striped marlin | 2 |
| 21 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 2 |
| 21 | Wahoo | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.