The Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*) is a marine mammal, not a fish, found in warm temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the continental shelf. Characterized by its distinctive spots that increase with age, this species is known for its playful behavior and social groups. While dolphins are not targeted in large-scale commercial fisheries, they have historically been subject to incidental capture (bycatch) in tuna purse seine and gillnet fisheries, particularly in countries with significant Atlantic tuna industries. Some countries, such as those in West Africa (notably Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire), have reported small-scale directed takes of dolphins, including the Atlantic spotted dolphin, for use as bushmeat or bait. However, the primary threats to this species come from incidental bycatch rather than targeted fishing. Internationally, the United States and European Union countries have implemented strict regulations to minimize dolphin bycatch, especially since the 1990s, making directed harvests rare and generally illegal in most Atlantic nations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.