They are many species in the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia (EEZ) with an area of some 1 740 000 km2. These fish are also stars in game fishing although this sport is underdeveloped in New Caledonia.
Big ocean fish
These large fish can travel over very long distances in the ocean. The fish industry catches them all over the world. There is a small fleet of ocean fishing boats in New Caledonia which mostly supply the local market. .
The most famous representatives are the beautiful Marlins, Swordfish and Sailfish. Large species like the Black marlin and Blue marlin exceed 5 meters and 700 kg. The Swordfish reaches 600 kg.
Although smaller, other fish are caught for their flesh. They are the Wahoo , the Dolphinfish and the Opah, a big oval shaped fish which can exceed 200 kg. These fish are regularly sold in the Noumea fish market.
Deep water fish
Deep water fish live at depths going down to 700 m along the barrier reef external slope or on submarine mounts. Not fished in the past, their fishing has developed during the last 20 years. Free of the Ciguatera poisoning they have become very common on most tables and particularly in the Noumea restaurants. They are mostly various species of Jobfishs (Lutjanidae). Also several species of Groupers live in the deep waters, particularly the Brownspotted grouper.