The Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), also known as Atlantic Black Skipjack, is a small, fast-swimming tuna species found in warm Atlantic waters, including the Mediterranean and the western Atlantic coasts. Recognized for its streamlined body and distinctive wavy markings on the back, the Little Tunny is not as commercially valuable as larger tuna species but is important in local and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting Little Tunny include Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Morocco, where it is caught using purse seines, trolling lines, and small-scale nets. These nations, particularly those bordering the Mediterranean, have long traditions of catching Little Tunny for local consumption, bait, and regional markets. While not a primary target for large industrial fleets, the species supports coastal economies and contributes to the diversity of the small pelagic fishery sector in these regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Tunisia | 5,827 |
2 | Benin | 4,470 |
3 | Angola | 2,534 |
4 | France | 1,373 |
5 | Côte d'Ivoire | 1,293 |
6 | Egypt | 1,065 |
7 | Spain | 1,055 |
8 | Brazil | 1,046 |
9 | Togo | 978 |
10 | Senegal | 791 |
11 | Italy | 767 |
12 | Greece | 644 |
13 | Liberia | 506 |
14 | Colombia | 470 |
15 | Türkiye | 410 |
16 | United States of America | 243 |
17 | Russian Federation | 231 |
18 | Guatemala | 213 |
19 | Lebanon | 205 |
20 | Panama | 200 |
20 | Algeria | 200 |
22 | Palestine | 135 |
23 | Gabon | 105 |
24 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 85 |
25 | Morocco | 53 |
26 | Cabo Verde | 51 |
27 | Croatia | 49 |
28 | El Salvador | 45 |
29 | Sao Tome and Principe | 35 |
29 | Israel | 35 |
31 | Portugal | 23 |
32 | Curaçao | 20 |
33 | Puerto Rico | 11 |
34 | Equatorial Guinea | 10 |
34 | United States Virgin Islands | 10 |
36 | Malta | 6 |
37 | Cyprus | 5 |
37 | Cuba | 5 |
39 | Bermuda | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.