Top Atlantic Bigeye Fishing Countries

The Atlantic bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is a large, fast-swimming pelagic fish prized for its high-quality flesh, making it a valuable target for commercial fisheries. Recognizable by its robust body and notably large eyes, the bigeye inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The top Atlantic bigeye fishing countries include Spain, Portugal, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Japan, with fleets from these nations employing longline and purse seine methods to harvest the species. Spain and Portugal are particularly dominant within the European Union, while West African countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have developed significant tuna industries, often supported by foreign investment and joint ventures. Japan, a major consumer of sashimi-grade tuna, also operates distant-water fleets in the Atlantic. The international nature of bigeye tuna fishing has prompted management by regional fisheries organizations, such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), to address concerns over overfishing and sustainability.

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