Samoa’s fishing industry is a vital part of its economy and culture, with both artisanal and commercial sectors contributing to local livelihoods and exports. The country’s top fish catches include skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), which are primarily targeted by commercial longline and purse seine fleets. In addition, reef fish such as parrotfish, grouper, and snapper are important for local consumption and small-scale fisheries. Historically, Samoans have practiced traditional fishing methods such as netting, spearfishing, and fish traps for centuries, but the industry expanded significantly in the late 20th century with the development of tuna processing and export facilities. Today, tuna remains the cornerstone of Samoa’s fishing exports, while the government and local communities work to balance economic growth with sustainable management of marine resources.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine fishes nei | 5,115 |
| 2 | Albacore | 1,450 |
| 3 | Marine molluscs nei | 1,400 |
| 4 | Aquatic invertebrates nei | 680 |
| 5 | Yellowfin tuna | 370 |
| 6 | Marine crustaceans nei | 300 |
| 7 | Bigeye tuna | 127 |
| 8 | Blue marlin | 47 |
| 9 | Skipjack tuna | 43 |
| 10 | Blue shark | 19 |
| 11 | Swordfish | 17 |
| 12 | Caulerpa seaweeds | 8 |
| 13 | Echinoderms | 5 |
| 13 | Striped marlin | 5 |
| 15 | Oceanic whitetip shark | 2 |
| 16 | Black marlin | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.