The Dotted Gizzard Shad (*Konosirus punctatus*) is a small, schooling, coastal fish species found primarily in the Northwest Pacific, especially along the coasts of East Asia. Recognized by its silvery body and distinctive dark spot behind the gill cover, this species is an important target for commercial fisheries due to its abundance and use as both food and bait. The top countries harvesting Dotted Gizzard Shad are China, South Korea, and Japan, where the fish is valued in regional cuisines and often processed into dried or salted products. China leads global catches, with large-scale operations along the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, while South Korea and Japan also maintain significant fisheries, particularly in the spring when the fish migrates for spawning. The industry supports local economies and traditional foodways, though it is subject to management efforts to prevent overfishing and sustain healthy populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 3,000 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.