Top Atlantic Bonito Fishing Countries

The Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) is a fast-swimming, predatory fish found in the warm and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. Recognized for its streamlined body and distinctive dark stripes along its back, the Atlantic bonito is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its abundance and value as a food fish. Major Atlantic bonito fishing countries include Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Morocco, where the species is harvested using purse seines, gillnets, and trolling methods. These nations have established robust fishing industries, with Spain and Italy particularly notable for their traditional and commercial exploitation of bonito, often processing the catch into canned or salted products. The Mediterranean region, in particular, has a long history of bonito fishing, contributing significantly to local economies and culinary traditions.

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