Top Blue Runner Fishing Countries

The blue runner (Caranx crysos) is a fast-swimming, schooling fish found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of the Americas, West Africa, and the Mediterranean. Recognized by its streamlined body and bluish-green coloration, the blue runner is valued both as a food fish and as bait in larger commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting blue runner include the United States (especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic), Brazil, and several West African nations such as Senegal and Ghana. In these regions, blue runner is caught using purse seines, trawls, and artisanal fishing methods, supporting local economies and providing a vital protein source. While not as heavily targeted as some larger commercial species, blue runner remains an important catch in multi-species fisheries and is increasingly recognized for its role in sustainable, small-scale fisheries.

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