Top Bonga Shad Fishing Countries

The Top Bonga Shad (*Ethmalosa fimbriata*) is a small, schooling clupeid fish native to the coastal and brackish waters of West Africa, particularly abundant in estuaries and lagoons. It is a vital species for local fisheries, serving as a staple protein source and supporting both artisanal and commercial fishing industries. The leading countries harvesting Bonga Shad are Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, where it is caught primarily using beach seines, gillnets, and artisanal canoes. Nigeria is the largest producer, with Bonga Shad forming a significant part of the national diet and economy, while Senegal and Ghana also have well-established processing industries, notably for smoked and dried Bonga. This fish is crucial for food security and livelihoods in the region, although overfishing and habitat degradation pose ongoing challenges to its sustainability.

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