Top Nauru Fish Catches

Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, has a fishing industry primarily centered around its rich marine resources, particularly tuna. The top fish catches in Nauru are dominated by skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna, which are highly valued both locally and for export. Traditionally, Nauruans practiced artisanal and subsistence fishing, relying on canoes and simple gear to catch reef fish and pelagic species. However, since the late 20th century, the country has increasingly participated in industrial tuna fishing, mainly through licensing agreements with foreign fleets operating in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These agreements have become a crucial source of revenue for Nauru, especially as phosphate mining—the country’s former economic backbone—declined. Today, the fishing industry remains vital for food security and economic stability, with sustainable management of tuna stocks being a key focus for the nation.

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