European Union fish landings remain worth €5.5 billion

Fish landings in the EU were valued at €5.5 billion in 2025. That was almost unchanged from the previous year. Spain accounted for the largest share, both in landing value and catch weight. But where does the EU fleet catch its fish? Eurostat’s figures provide an overview of the main fishing areas and species caught.

Spain accounts for the largest share

Spain accounted for 31% of the total value of fish landings. France followed with 18% and Italy with 12%. The EU fleet caught an estimated 3.3 million metric tons in 2025. These catches came from the seven marine areas covered by Eurostat’s statistics. The Spanish fleet accounted for 21% of the total catch by weight. Denmark and France followed with 16% and 14%, respectively.

Herring and blue whiting

The Northeast Atlantic accounted for 72% of the total EU catch. Herring made up 18% of catches in this area, and blue whiting 17%. Sprat and mackerel followed with 15% and 9%, respectively.

The Mediterranean and Black Seas together accounted for 8% of the EU catch. The main species caught there were sardines (19%) and anchovies (16%).

Tuna, hake and squid

The western Indian Ocean accounted for 7% of the EU catch. Three tuna species together made up 94% of catches in this area. These were skipjack (58%), yellowfin (29%) and bigeye tuna (7%).

The Eastern Central Atlantic and Southwest Atlantic each accounted for 5% of the EU catch. Horse mackerel represented the largest share in the Eastern Central Atlantic, at 38%. In the Southwest Atlantic, catches consisted mainly of hake (79%) and squid (13%). The remaining 2% came from the Northwest and Southeast Atlantic.

Ec.europa.eu