Top Skipjack Tuna Fishing Countries

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a fast-swimming, schooling fish found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide and is a key species in the global tuna industry. Recognized for its streamlined body and distinctive dark stripes, skipjack is prized for its use in canned tuna products and is a staple protein source in many countries. The top skipjack tuna fishing nations are primarily located in the Western and Central Pacific and Indian Oceans, with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan leading global catches, followed by countries such as Papua New Guinea, the Maldives, and Taiwan. These nations operate large-scale industrial purse seine fleets as well as small-scale artisanal fisheries, making skipjack tuna a vital economic resource and a cornerstone of food security in the region. The sustainability of skipjack tuna stocks is a key concern, managed by regional fisheries management organizations to balance economic benefits with conservation.

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