Global fish catch by ocean in metric tonnes
The global fish catch is a critical indicator of the health and productivity of our oceans, as well as a vital component of the world's food supply and economy.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations regularly monitors and reports on the state of global fisheries, providing valuable data on the volume of fish caught in different oceans.
Here is an overview of fish catch by ocean, measured in metric tonnes:
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest contributor to the global fish catch. In 2020, it accounted for approximately 50% of the total marine capture fisheries, with a catch of around 47 million tonnes. This vast ocean is home to some of the world's most productive fishing grounds, including the Peruvian anchoveta fishery, which is one of the largest single-species fisheries globally.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is another major source of global fish catch, contributing about 25% of the total marine capture fisheries. In 2020, the Atlantic Ocean's fish catch was estimated at around 21 million tonnes. Key species harvested from this ocean include cod, haddock, and various species of tuna.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean contributes significantly to the global fish catch, with an estimated 15% share. In 2020, the fish catch from the Indian Ocean was approximately 12 million tonnes. This ocean is particularly known for its tuna fisheries, which are vital for many coastal economies.
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, while less productive than the other major oceans, still plays a crucial role in global fisheries. It contributed around 5% of the total marine capture fisheries in 2020, with a catch of about 418,000 tonnes. The Southern Ocean is known for its krill fisheries, which are essential for the marine food web.
Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean has the smallest share of the global fish catch, contributing less than 1%. In 2020, the fish catch from the Arctic Ocean was estimated at around 19,000 tonnes. The harsh conditions and limited accessibility of this ocean make large-scale fishing operations challenging.
