Top Atlantic Gobies Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Atlantic gobies are small, bottom-dwelling fish belonging to the family Gobiidae, commonly found in coastal waters, estuaries, and brackish environments throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. These fish are generally not a primary target for large-scale commercial fisheries but are often caught as bycatch or in artisanal and local fisheries, particularly in southern Europe and North Africa. Countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Morocco are among the top harvesters of Atlantic gobies, utilizing them for local consumption, bait, or as part of mixed fish catches. The fishing industry for gobies in these regions is typically small-scale, supporting local economies and traditional cuisines, with the species valued for its delicate flavor in regional dishes. While not a major export commodity, Atlantic gobies play a role in the biodiversity and sustainability of coastal fisheries in these countries.

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