Top Blackfin Snapper Fishing Countries

The blackfin snapper (Lutjanus buccanella) is a prized deep-water species found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Recognizable by its reddish body and distinctive black spot at the base of its pectoral fins, the blackfin snapper is highly valued for its firm, white flesh. Major fishing countries harvesting blackfin snapper include the United States (particularly in Florida and the Gulf Coast), Cuba, the Bahamas, and several Caribbean nations such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In these regions, blackfin snapper is caught by both commercial and recreational fisheries, often using hook-and-line or bottom longline methods. The species supports local economies and is a staple in regional seafood markets, though careful management is required to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable stocks.

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