Top Clupeoids Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top Clupeoids Not Elsewhere Included" refers to a group of small, schooling pelagic fish within the Clupeidae family and related families, but excludes the most commonly reported species like herring, sardines, and anchovies. This category often includes lesser-known clupeoids such as sprats, menhaden, and shads. These fish are vital both ecologically—as forage for larger fish and marine mammals—and economically, as they are harvested for human consumption, fishmeal, and oil. The leading countries in harvesting these "other" clupeoids are typically coastal nations with access to productive continental shelf waters. In recent years, China has dominated catches in this category, followed by countries such as the United States (notably for menhaden in the Atlantic and Gulf coasts), Russia, and some West African nations. These fisheries are often industrial in scale, utilizing purse seines and midwater trawls, and play a significant role in supporting aquaculture and agricultural industries through the production of fishmeal and oil.

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