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.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Skipjack tuna | 138,219 |
2 | Argentine hake | 101,588 |
3 | Yellowfin tuna | 62,735 |
4 | Blue shark | 46,998 |
5 | European anchovy | 43,891 |
6 | Atlantic mackerel | 29,787 |
7 | Bigeye tuna | 28,346 |
8 | European hake | 27,716 |
9 | European pilchard(=Sardine) | 27,664 |
10 | Argentine shortfin squid | 26,120 |
11 | Atlantic horse mackerel | 24,845 |
12 | Blue whiting(=Poutassou) | 24,804 |
13 | Swordfish | 23,888 |
14 | Albacore | 16,996 |
15 | Atlantic cod | 12,806 |
16 | Northern shortfin squid | 10,833 |
17 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 9,541 |
18 | Atlantic bluefin tuna | 7,308 |
19 | Benguela hake | 6,296 |
20 | Common octopus | 6,121 |
21 | Deep-water rose shrimp | 5,711 |
22 | Greenland halibut | 4,719 |
23 | Round sardinella | 4,457 |
24 | Raja rays nei | 4,365 |
25 | Silver hake | 4,062 |
26 | Bogue | 3,846 |
27 | Megrims nei | 3,780 |
28 | Atlantic redfishes nei | 3,170 |
29 | Blackbellied angler | 2,937 |
30 | Angler(=Monk) | 2,676 |
31 | Mediterranean horse mackerel | 2,427 |
32 | Frigate tuna | 2,400 |
33 | Patagonian squid | 2,397 |
34 | Shortfin mako | 2,287 |
35 | Patagonian grenadier | 2,255 |
36 | Senegalese hake | 2,102 |
37 | Pink cusk-eel | 2,003 |
38 | Broadtail shortfin squid | 1,992 |
39 | Ling | 1,986 |
40 | Common cuttlefish | 1,969 |
41 | Seaweeds nei | 1,962 |
42 | Striped venus | 1,935 |
43 | European conger | 1,846 |
44 | Southern pink shrimp | 1,806 |
45 | Striped red shrimp | 1,685 |
46 | Red mullet | 1,608 |
47 | Common edible cockle | 1,212 |
48 | Greater forkbeard | 1,190 |
49 | Atlantic pomfret | 1,162 |
50 | Small-spotted catshark | 1,161 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.