New Caledonia’s fishing industry is shaped by its rich marine biodiversity and extensive coral reefs, with tuna—especially albacore and yellowfin—ranking among the top fish catches. The country’s exclusive economic zone is a prime area for both artisanal and industrial fishing, with longline fleets targeting tuna for export, primarily to Japan and other Asian markets. In addition to tuna, other significant catches include mahi-mahi, wahoo, and deepwater snappers. The fishing industry has historical roots in subsistence and small-scale coastal fishing by indigenous Kanak communities, but expanded in the late 20th century with the development of commercial tuna fisheries. Today, New Caledonia balances economic benefits from fishing with sustainability concerns, implementing quotas and marine protected areas to preserve its unique marine ecosystems.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albacore | 2,158 |
| 2 | Yellowfin tuna | 564 |
| 3 | Freshwater fishes nei | 358 |
| 4 | Blue shark | 285 |
| 5 | Marine fishes nei | 150 |
| 6 | Blue marlin | 140 |
| 7 | Striped marlin | 132 |
| 8 | Skipjack tuna | 72 |
| 9 | Bigeye tuna | 67 |
| 10 | Seerfishes nei | 62 |
| 11 | Mullets nei | 53 |
| 12 | Marine crustaceans nei | 42 |
| 13 | Black marlin | 37 |
| 14 | Shortfin mako | 22 |
| 14 | Sea cucumbers nei | 22 |
| 16 | Mackerels nei | 14 |
| 17 | Swordfish | 13 |
| 18 | Marine molluscs nei | 8 |
| 19 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 6 |
| 20 | Trochus shells nei | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.