Trinidad and Tobago boasts a vibrant fishing industry rooted in centuries-old traditions, with its coastal waters teeming with diverse marine life. The nation’s top fish catches include kingfish, carite (Spanish mackerel), red snapper, grouper, and flying fish, as well as shrimp and lobster from its productive offshore and inshore zones. The industry, comprising both artisanal and commercial sectors, plays a vital role in local food security and employment, particularly in coastal communities such as Mayaro, Cedros, and Tobago’s Charlotteville. Historically, fishing in Trinidad and Tobago evolved from indigenous and colonial practices, expanding significantly in the 20th century with the introduction of modern boats and gear. Today, while the sector faces challenges like overfishing and competition from oil and gas, it remains integral to the nation’s culture and economy, with ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices and value-added seafood exports.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine fishes nei | 6,078 |
| 2 | Demersal percomorphs nei | 2,565 |
| 3 | Yellowfin tuna | 1,080 |
| 4 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 776 |
| 5 | Serra Spanish mackerel | 695 |
| 6 | King mackerel | 494 |
| 7 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 425 |
| 8 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 301 |
| 9 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 254 |
| 10 | Smooth-hounds nei | 172 |
| 11 | Portunus swimcrabs nei | 50 |
| 12 | Hammerhead sharks, etc. nei | 40 |
| 13 | Atlantic sailfish | 37 |
| 14 | Albacore | 22 |
| 15 | Caribbean spiny lobster | 21 |
| 16 | Atlantic bonito | 16 |
| 17 | Bigeye tuna | 10 |
| 18 | Wahoo | 7 |
| 19 | Common dolphinfish | 6 |
| 19 | Swordfish | 6 |
| 21 | Blackfin tuna | 5 |
| 22 | Nurse shark | 3 |
| 25 | Blacktip shark | 1 |
| 25 | Shortfin mako | 1 |
| 25 | Thresher sharks nei | 1 |
| 25 | Clupeoids nei | 1 |
| 25 | Blue shark | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.