The Brazilian sardinella (Sardinella brasiliensis) is a small, schooling pelagic fish found primarily along the western Atlantic coast of South America, especially in the waters off Brazil. Characterized by its silvery body and importance as a forage fish, the Brazilian sardinella plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems and is a key species for commercial fisheries. Brazil is by far the leading country in harvesting this species, with its southeastern and southern coastal regions supporting a significant sardinella fishery that supplies both domestic markets and fishmeal production. While minor catches may occur in neighboring countries such as Uruguay and Argentina, Brazil overwhelmingly dominates the industry due to the species’ abundance in its coastal waters and the development of a large-scale purse seine fishing fleet targeting sardinella. The Brazilian sardinella fishery has faced challenges from overfishing and environmental variability, leading to management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainability of this valuable resource.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 61,450 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.