Top Atlantic Croaker Fishing Countries

The Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) is a bottom-dwelling fish found along the western Atlantic coast, from Massachusetts in the United States down to Argentina, with the highest abundance in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast. Recognizable by its silvery body and the croaking sound it produces using its swim bladder, the Atlantic croaker is a key species for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The United States, particularly states like Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina, is the leading country in harvesting Atlantic croaker, with significant annual catches that support local economies and bait industries. Mexico also plays a notable role, especially along its Gulf coast, where croaker is valued for food and as bait in shrimp fisheries. While smaller-scale fisheries exist in other countries along the species’ range, the U.S. and Mexico dominate the Atlantic croaker harvest due to their extensive coastal habitats, established fishing fleets, and strong market demand.

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