The Blueback Shad (*Alosa aestivalis*) is a migratory, schooling fish native to the Atlantic coast of North America, recognized for its bluish-green back and silvery sides. It primarily inhabits rivers and coastal waters from Nova Scotia, Canada, down to Florida, USA. The United States is the leading country for Blueback Shad fishing, with significant commercial and recreational harvests historically concentrated in the Atlantic states, especially in the Chesapeake Bay region, North Carolina, and the Hudson River in New York. Canada, particularly Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, also supports smaller but notable fisheries. While the commercial industry for Blueback Shad has declined due to habitat loss and overfishing, the species remains important for local economies, recreational anglers, and as bait in other fisheries. Conservation efforts and fishing regulations have been implemented in both the U.S. and Canada to help restore and sustain Blueback Shad populations.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.