Top Red Eye Round Herring Fishing Countries

The Red Eye Round Herring (Etrumeus teres), also known as the Redeye round herring or simply round herring, is a small, schooling pelagic fish found in subtropical and temperate coastal waters worldwide. Characterized by its slender, elongated body and distinctive reddish eyes, this species is primarily targeted for use as bait in commercial fisheries, as well as for fish meal and, in some regions, direct human consumption. The top countries engaged in the harvest of Red Eye Round Herring include the United States (notably off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts), Mexico, Japan, and several Mediterranean nations such as Turkey and Greece. These countries have developed robust fisheries for round herring, utilizing purse seine and other netting techniques to capture large schools efficiently. The round herring fishery plays a significant role in supporting local economies and the broader fishing industry, particularly in areas where larger pelagic species are also targeted, as round herring are a key bait source for tuna and other valuable fish.

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