Top Marlins,Sailfishes,Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Marlins, sailfishes, and related billfish species—such as spearfish—are prized for their size, speed, and sporting qualities, making them highly sought after in both commercial and recreational fisheries. These pelagic predators inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, with the Atlantic blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and Indo-Pacific sailfish among the most notable species. The fishing industry surrounding these species is significant in countries with access to warm open waters, notably the United States (particularly Florida and Hawaii), Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, and Japan. In these nations, billfish are targeted by both commercial longline fleets (often as bycatch) and a lucrative sportfishing sector that attracts international anglers. While some countries, like the United States, have implemented strict conservation measures and promote catch-and-release practices, others continue to harvest billfish for local consumption and export, contributing to concerns about overfishing and the need for international management to ensure sustainable populations.

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