Top Atlantic Silverside Fishing Countries

The Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia) is a small, schooling fish found along the western Atlantic coast of North America, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to northeastern Florida. Recognized for its slender, silver body and importance as a forage species, the Atlantic silverside plays a crucial ecological role as prey for larger fish, birds, and marine mammals. Commercial fishing for Atlantic silverside is relatively limited compared to larger, more economically significant species; however, it is harvested primarily for use as bait in recreational fisheries and occasionally for research and aquarium feed. The main countries involved in the capture of Atlantic silverside are the United States and Canada, with the bulk of the harvest occurring in the coastal waters of the northeastern U.S., particularly in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The fishery is generally small-scale, using seines and small nets, and is closely monitored to ensure sustainability due to the species' importance in coastal food webs.

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