The United States Virgin Islands boast a vibrant fishing industry rooted in both tradition and tourism, with a rich history dating back to the indigenous Taíno people and later European settlers who relied on the islands' abundant marine resources. Today, the region is renowned for its deep-sea sport fishing and artisanal fisheries, with top catches including blue marlin, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and kingfish. The annual July Open Billfish Tournament in St. Thomas has helped cement the islands as a premier destination for big-game anglers, especially those seeking the legendary blue marlin. While commercial fishing remains small-scale, focusing on snapper, grouper, and lobster for local consumption, the industry is a vital part of the islands’ culture and economy, blending subsistence practices with recreational fishing that attracts visitors from around the world.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stromboid conchs nei | 185 |
| 2 | Tropical spiny lobsters nei | 55 |
| 3 | Queen triggerfish | 20 |
| 4 | Red hind | 15 |
| 4 | Common dolphinfish | 15 |
| 7 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 10 |
| 7 | Wahoo | 10 |
| 7 | Yellowtail snapper | 10 |
| 15 | King mackerel | 5 |
| 15 | Grey angel fish | 5 |
| 15 | Blue runner | 5 |
| 15 | Redfin parrotfish | 5 |
| 15 | Redtail parrotfish | 5 |
| 15 | Silk snapper | 5 |
| 15 | Stoplight parrotfish | 5 |
| 15 | Doctorfish | 5 |
| 15 | Clupeoids nei | 5 |
| 15 | Bluestriped grunt | 5 |
| 15 | White grunt | 5 |
| 15 | Yellowfin tuna | 5 |
| 15 | Blackfin snapper | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.