Top Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishing Countries

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the largest and most prized tuna species, renowned for its impressive size, speed, and high commercial value, especially in the sushi and sashimi markets. This species inhabits both the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, where it migrates to spawn. The fishing industry for Atlantic bluefin tuna is highly lucrative but also tightly regulated due to concerns over overfishing and stock depletion. The top countries harvesting Atlantic bluefin tuna include Japan, which is the primary consumer and a significant harvester, as well as Spain, Italy, and France, which are leading fishing nations in the Mediterranean. Other notable participants include Turkey, Morocco, and the United States, particularly from the western Atlantic. These countries employ a mix of traditional and modern fishing techniques, such as purse seining, longlining, and tuna ranching, all under the oversight of international bodies like the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to ensure sustainable management of this valuable species.

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