The Bigeye Tuna (*Thunnus obesus*) is a large, fast-swimming pelagic fish prized for its rich, fatty flesh and is a staple in global sashimi and sushi markets. Found mainly in tropical and subtropical oceans, it is targeted by industrial longline and purse seine fisheries. The top Bigeye Tuna fishing countries include Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, and South Korea, all of which operate extensive distant-water fleets in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These nations play a significant role in the global tuna industry, supplying both domestic and international markets. However, heavy fishing pressure has led to concerns about overfishing and stock depletion, prompting international management efforts by regional fisheries organizations to ensure the sustainability of Bigeye Tuna populations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Indonesia | 61,235 |
2 | Taiwan Province of China | 40,872 |
3 | Ecuador | 29,864 |
4 | Spain | 28,346 |
5 | Japan | 28,130 |
6 | Republic of Korea | 20,624 |
7 | Seychelles | 14,017 |
8 | China | 12,800 |
9 | Kiribati | 10,642 |
10 | United States of America | 8,789 |
11 | Panama | 8,637 |
12 | El Salvador | 8,321 |
13 | France | 8,077 |
14 | Micronesia (Federated States of) | 7,738 |
15 | Brazil | 7,341 |
16 | Marshall Islands | 5,309 |
17 | Vanuatu | 5,213 |
18 | Sri Lanka | 4,627 |
19 | Ghana | 3,672 |
20 | Nauru | 3,438 |
21 | Portugal | 3,228 |
22 | Mauritius | 2,974 |
23 | Philippines | 2,586 |
24 | Papua New Guinea | 2,450 |
25 | Colombia | 2,431 |
26 | Viet Nam | 2,208 |
27 | Namibia | 2,070 |
28 | Nicaragua | 2,048 |
29 | French Polynesia | 1,405 |
30 | Malaysia | 1,403 |
31 | Morocco | 1,363 |
32 | Solomon Islands | 1,236 |
33 | Comoros | 1,177 |
34 | Tuvalu | 1,129 |
35 | Iran (Islamic Republic of) | 1,016 |
36 | Belize | 1,002 |
37 | Bangladesh | 1,000 |
38 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 919 |
39 | Guatemala | 868 |
40 | Curaçao | 824 |
41 | Senegal | 746 |
42 | South Africa | 655 |
43 | Cook Islands | 636 |
44 | India | 535 |
45 | Mexico | 500 |
46 | Fiji | 426 |
47 | Côte d'Ivoire | 386 |
48 | Australia | 371 |
49 | United Republic of Tanzania | 359 |
50 | Canada | 330 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.