Top Gafftopsail Sea Catfish Fishing Countries

The gafftopsail sea catfish (Bagre marinus) is a distinctive marine catfish recognized by its long, sail-like dorsal fin and prominent barbels. Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, it inhabits coastal waters from the Gulf of Mexico down to northern South America. The species is commonly caught in shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, where it feeds on crustaceans, small fish, and detritus. The top countries involved in the commercial and artisanal harvest of gafftopsail sea catfish include the United States (particularly the Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana), Mexico, and Venezuela. In these regions, the fish is valued both for local consumption and as a bycatch in shrimp trawl fisheries. While not as highly prized as some other finfish, gafftopsail sea catfish play an important role in local economies, providing food and income for coastal communities. The fishing industry for this species is generally small-scale, but in some areas, targeted fisheries exist due to its abundance and ease of capture.

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