Top Argentine Anchovy Fishing Countries

The Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) is a small, schooling pelagic fish native to the Southwest Atlantic, particularly abundant along the coasts of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Renowned for its ecological importance as a key prey species and its value in the production of fishmeal and fish oil, the Argentine anchovy supports a significant regional fishing industry. Argentina is by far the leading country in harvesting this species, with its fisheries centered around the productive waters of the Argentine Continental Shelf. Uruguay also maintains a notable anchovy fishery, although on a much smaller scale, while Brazil's catches are minor in comparison. The Argentine anchovy fishery is characterized by industrial-scale purse seining, and catches are primarily processed for animal feed, though some are used for human consumption. Sustainable management of this resource is crucial, given its role in the marine food web and its economic importance to the region.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.