Top Sardinellas Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The "Top Sardinellas Not Elsewhere Included" refers to various species of small, schooling, pelagic fish within the genus *Sardinella*, which are not specifically categorized under more well-known sardinella species like *Sardinella aurita* or *Sardinella longiceps*. These fish are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and are highly valued for their importance in food security, especially in developing countries. Sardinellas are typically harvested using purse seines and other netting methods, and they are a staple in local diets as well as in fishmeal production. The leading countries in harvesting these sardinellas are predominantly in West Africa—such as Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria—along with India and the Philippines in Asia. These nations have robust small-scale and industrial fisheries targeting sardinellas, which support millions of livelihoods but also face challenges related to overfishing, climate variability, and the need for improved fisheries management.

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