Top Pacific Red Snapper Fishing Countries

The Pacific red snapper, commonly known as the Pacific red snapper but scientifically identified as several species within the genus *Lutjanus* (notably *Lutjanus peru* and *Lutjanus argentiventris*), is a prized demersal fish found along the Pacific coasts of the Americas. Renowned for its firm, flavorful flesh, this species supports significant commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top Pacific red snapper fishing countries include Mexico, which leads in both catch volume and export, followed by Peru and Ecuador, where the species is vital to local economies and diets. In these countries, red snapper is harvested using longlines, handlines, and gillnets, with Mexico’s Pacific coast—particularly the Gulf of California—being a major hub for the industry. Sustainable management is increasingly emphasized due to concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation, making the Pacific red snapper both an economic staple and a conservation focus in these nations.

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