Top Montenegro Fish Catches

Montenegro’s fishing industry, though relatively small compared to larger Mediterranean countries, is an important part of its coastal economy and culture. The country’s Adriatic coastline yields a variety of prized catches, with European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) being the top commercial species. Other notable catches include sea bream (Sparus aurata), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and various types of mullet. Historically, fishing in Montenegro has been a traditional livelihood for coastal communities, especially in towns like Ulcinj, Bar, and Kotor, where small-scale artisanal fishing has prevailed for centuries. In recent decades, the industry has modernized somewhat, but remains largely artisanal, with most catches destined for local markets and restaurants, supporting the country’s vibrant seafood cuisine and tourism sector.

Rank	Fish Species	Metric Tons
1	European pilchard(=Sardine)	165
2	Common carp	150
3	European anchovy	110
4	European hake	45
5	Atlantic horse mackerel	35
6	Atlantic chub mackerel	30
6	Surmullets(=Red mullets) nei	30
8	Atlantic bluefin tuna	25
8	Bogue	25
11	Marine fishes nei	20
11	Flathead grey mullet	20
11	Tuna-like fishes nei	20
13	Monkfishes nei	15
13	Atlantic bonito	15
18	Deep-water rose shrimp	10
18	Common squids nei	10
18	Common pandora	10
18	Common octopus	10
18	Greater amberjack	10
18	Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei	10
18	Mediterranean starry ray	10
29	Swordfish	5
29	Atlantic mackerel	5
29	Scorpionfishes, redfishes nei	5
29	Salema	5
29	Round sardinella	5
29	Red porgy	5
29	Porgies, seabreams nei	5
29	John dory	5
29	Marine molluscs nei	5
29	Common dentex	5
29	Horned and musky octopuses	5
29	Grey gurnard	5
29	Gilthead seabream	5
29	European conger	5
29	European barracuda	5
29	Flatfishes nei	5

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