The Pacific flatiron herring (Harengula thrissina), a small, silvery pelagic fish found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, is an important forage species for both marine predators and commercial fisheries. Known for its laterally compressed body and distinctive keel-like belly, the flatiron herring is commonly caught using purse seines and small-scale artisanal methods. The primary countries harvesting Pacific flatiron herring are Mexico, particularly along the Gulf of California, and to a lesser extent, the United States (mainly California) and some Central American nations such as Costa Rica and Panama. In these regions, the herring is primarily utilized as bait in tuna and sport fisheries, as well as for local consumption and fishmeal production. The industry is characterized by seasonal variability and fluctuating catches, reflecting both the schooling behavior of the species and environmental factors that influence their abundance.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.