Regan's anchovy (Engraulis ringens), commonly known as the Peruvian anchoveta, is a small, schooling pelagic fish found primarily in the nutrient-rich waters of the Southeast Pacific, especially along the coasts of Peru and Chile. This species is a cornerstone of the global fishmeal and fish oil industries, serving as a vital protein source for aquaculture and livestock feed. Peru and Chile are by far the top anchoveta fishing countries, together accounting for the vast majority of the world’s catch. The Peruvian anchoveta fishery is one of the largest single-species fisheries globally, with annual landings that can exceed several million metric tons, depending on ocean conditions and management measures. Both countries have developed sophisticated industrial fleets and management systems to sustain this valuable resource, making Regan’s anchovy a linchpin of their economies and a critical species in global marine food webs.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.