Top Frigate Tuna Fishing Countries

The frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), also known as the frigate mackerel, is a small, fast-swimming pelagic fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Recognized for its streamlined body and distinctive dark stripes, this species plays an important role in artisanal and commercial fisheries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. The top frigate tuna fishing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and several West African nations such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, where the fish is caught using purse seines, gillnets, and traditional handlines. These countries rely on frigate tuna both for local consumption and as a component of the broader tuna industry, often landing the species alongside other small tunas. While not as economically significant as larger tunas like skipjack or yellowfin, frigate tuna supports the livelihoods of many coastal communities and contributes to food security in these regions.

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