The Cero, also known as Cero Mackerel (*Scomberomorus regalis*), is a fast-swimming, predatory fish found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, especially in the Caribbean Sea and along the coasts of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Recognized for its streamlined body and distinctive yellow spots, the Cero is valued both as a sport fish and for its culinary qualities. The top countries engaged in Cero fishing include the United States (notably Florida), Cuba, the Bahamas, and various Caribbean nations such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. While the Cero mackerel is not targeted by large-scale commercial fisheries to the extent of other mackerel species, it is harvested by local artisanal fishers and recreational anglers, contributing to regional economies and local diets. The fishing industry for Cero is generally managed at a local level, with some regulations in place to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainability of this prized species.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 115 |
2 | Dominican Republic | 25 |
3 | Puerto Rico | 8 |
4 | United States of America | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.