Top Atlantic Emperor Fishing Countries

The Atlantic emperor (Lethrinus atlanticus) is a demersal fish species found primarily along the West African coast in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Senegal to Angola. Recognized for its firm, white flesh, the Atlantic emperor is an important species for local artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries. The primary countries engaged in harvesting this species include Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Angola. These nations rely on the Atlantic emperor both for local consumption and as a source of income, with the fish often sold fresh in local markets or smoked and dried for regional trade. While not the focus of large-scale industrial fleets, the Atlantic emperor plays a vital role in supporting food security and livelihoods in West African coastal communities.

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