Uruguay’s fishing industry, centered along its Atlantic coastline and the Río de la Plata estuary, is a vital sector for both domestic consumption and export. The country’s top fish catches include hake (Merluccius hubbsi), which is the most significant commercial species, as well as croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), whitemouth croaker, and squid (Illex argentinus). The fishing industry in Uruguay began to expand significantly in the 1970s, with the modernization of its fleet and the establishment of processing plants, allowing for increased exports, particularly to Europe and Asia. Today, Uruguay’s fisheries are managed with sustainability in mind, though challenges remain due to overfishing and competition in shared waters. The industry continues to play a crucial role in the national economy, providing employment and supporting coastal communities.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitemouth croaker | 18,129 |
| 2 | Argentine hake | 10,525 |
| 3 | Argentine shortfin squid | 8,757 |
| 4 | Streaked prochilod | 6,600 |
| 5 | Striped weakfish | 4,548 |
| 6 | Argentine menhaden | 4,010 |
| 7 | King weakfish | 2,393 |
| 8 | Marine fishes nei | 2,220 |
| 9 | Patagonian grenadier | 1,558 |
| 10 | Blackbelly rosefish | 1,520 |
| 11 | Southwest Atlantic red crab | 1,230 |
| 12 | Brazilian codling | 1,200 |
| 13 | Freshwater fishes nei | 1,125 |
| 14 | Bluefish | 650 |
| 15 | Castaneta | 580 |
| 16 | Sea catfishes nei | 470 |
| 17 | Black drum | 330 |
| 18 | Parona leatherjacket | 310 |
| 19 | Mullets nei | 290 |
| 20 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 233 |
| 21 | Tope shark | 220 |
| 22 | Patagonian toothfish | 205 |
| 23 | River Plata mussel | 198 |
| 24 | Argentine angelshark | 190 |
| 24 | Pati | 190 |
| 26 | Bastard halibuts nei | 140 |
| 27 | Argentinian silverside | 130 |
| 28 | Argentine croaker | 124 |
| 29 | Freshwater siluroids nei | 110 |
| 30 | Narrownose smooth-hound | 109 |
| 31 | Pink cusk-eel | 90 |
| 32 | South American silver porgy | 80 |
| 32 | Antarctic rockcods, noties nei | 80 |
| 34 | Chola guitarfish | 70 |
| 35 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 40 |
| 36 | Antarctic toothfish | 33 |
| 37 | Red porgy | 30 |
| 37 | Argentine conger | 30 |
| 39 | Grenadiers nei | 23 |
| 40 | Argentine anchovy | 10 |
| 41 | Crocodile icefishes nei | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.