Top Sandeels Sandlances Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Sandeels and sandlances, grouped under "Sandlances Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics, are small, slender, schooling fish found primarily in the sandy coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. These fish, mainly of the genera Ammodytes and Hyperoplus, are a crucial forage species for seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish. The top fishing countries for sandeels and sandlances are Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with Denmark historically dominating global catches, particularly in the North Sea. The sandeel fishery is largely industrial, with most of the catch processed into fishmeal and fish oil for use in animal feed, especially in aquaculture and agriculture. Due to their ecological importance, some countries have implemented strict management measures and seasonal closures to prevent overfishing and protect dependent wildlife populations.

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