Top Yellowtail Snapper Fishing Countries

The yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) is a vibrant, schooling reef fish known for its striking yellow stripe and tail, native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and southeastern United States. This species is highly prized for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh, making it a staple in both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top yellowtail snapper fishing countries are the United States (notably Florida), Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In these regions, yellowtail snapper supports local economies through commercial harvests, charter fishing, and tourism. The U.S., especially Florida, leads in both commercial landings and recreational catch, with strict regulations to ensure sustainability, while Caribbean nations often rely on traditional fishing methods and local markets.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Brazil5,600
2United States of America822
3Mexico551
4Dominican Republic325
5British Virgin Islands230
6Cuba97
7Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)80
8Puerto Rico49
9Guadeloupe38
10Colombia15
11Bermuda10
11United States Virgin Islands10
13Martinique6
14Saint Vincent and the Grenadines1

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