Although sport fishing, especially for blue marlin, is an important tourist attraction, the waters surrounding Puerto Rico are too deep to lend themselves to commercial fishery. Tuna brought in from African and South American waters and processed on the western shore provides much of the canned tuna sold in eastern US markets. Landings in 1995 amounted to 3,892,000 lb, valued at $7.05 million. Leading species by quantity (and value) included: snappers, 1,119,000 lb ($2.3 million); tuna, 135,100 lb (179,300); dolphinfish (or mahi-mahi), 223,600 lb ($325,600); spiny lobster, 288,600 lb ($1.22 million); mackerel, 204,000 lb ($337,700); and conch (snail) meats, 221,900 lb ($499,800). In 1994, 86% of the total catch came from marine fishing.
Five aquacultural projects covering some 550 acres (220 hectares) were operating in 1992, including the largest freshwater prawn farm in the Americas. Other species produced by Puerto Rican aquaculture include saltwater shrimp, red tilapia fish, and ornamental species.
Approximately 4,497,000 lb of fish were produced in 2002, for a total value of $10,278,000.