Allis shad (Alosa alosa) and twaite shad (Alosa fallax) are migratory fish species native to the eastern Atlantic, including the coasts and rivers of Western Europe. These fish are known for their silvery bodies and are closely related to herring, undertaking spawning migrations from the sea into freshwater rivers. Historically, France has been the leading country for shad fisheries, particularly along the Atlantic coast and in rivers such as the Loire and Garonne, where both allis and twaite shad were once abundant and highly valued for their meat and roe. Portugal and Spain also have traditional fisheries targeting shad, especially in the Tagus and Minho rivers. The United Kingdom and Ireland have smaller, mostly historical fisheries, as shad populations have declined due to overfishing, pollution, and river barriers. Today, commercial exploitation is limited, with most countries focusing on conservation, but France and Portugal remain the most notable for their historical and ongoing shad fishing heritage.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 11 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.