Top Spain Fish Catches

Spain has long been a powerhouse in the European fishing industry, with its extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines supporting a vibrant and diverse sector. The country’s top fish catches include species such as sardines, anchovies, hake, mackerel, tuna (especially bluefin and albacore), and octopus. Spanish fishing fleets are among the largest in Europe, operating both in domestic waters and internationally, particularly off the coasts of Africa and in the North Atlantic. The industry has deep historical roots, dating back to Roman times, and has played a crucial role in the country’s culture and economy, especially in regions like Galicia and the Basque Country. Today, Spain remains a major seafood producer and exporter, balancing traditional methods with modern sustainability efforts to preserve its rich marine resources.

RankFish SpeciesMetric Tons
1Skipjack tuna138,219
2Argentine hake101,588
3Yellowfin tuna62,735
4Blue shark46,998
5European anchovy43,891
6Atlantic mackerel29,787
7Bigeye tuna28,346
8European hake27,716
9European pilchard(=Sardine)27,664
10Argentine shortfin squid26,120
11Atlantic horse mackerel24,845
12Blue whiting(=Poutassou)24,804
13Swordfish23,888
14Albacore16,996
15Atlantic cod12,806
16Northern shortfin squid10,833
17Atlantic chub mackerel9,541
18Atlantic bluefin tuna7,308
19Benguela hake6,296
20Common octopus6,121
21Deep-water rose shrimp5,711
22Greenland halibut4,719
23Round sardinella4,457
24Raja rays nei4,365
25Silver hake4,062
26Bogue3,846
27Megrims nei3,780
28Atlantic redfishes nei3,170
29Blackbellied angler2,937
30Angler(=Monk)2,676
31Mediterranean horse mackerel2,427
32Frigate tuna2,400
33Patagonian squid2,397
34Shortfin mako2,287
35Patagonian grenadier2,255
36Senegalese hake2,102
37Pink cusk-eel2,003
38Broadtail shortfin squid1,992
39Ling1,986
40Common cuttlefish1,969
41Seaweeds nei1,962
42Striped venus1,935
43European conger1,846
44Southern pink shrimp1,806
45Striped red shrimp1,685
46Red mullet1,608
47Common edible cockle1,212
48Greater forkbeard1,190
49Atlantic pomfret1,162
50Small-spotted catshark1,161

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