Sillago whiting, commonly known as sand whiting, are slender, silvery fish belonging to the genus *Sillago* and are prized for their delicate, mild-flavored flesh. These coastal and estuarine fish are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, with the most significant commercial and recreational fisheries found in Australia, China, Japan, and several Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. Australia is particularly renowned for its sustainable sand whiting fisheries, especially along the eastern and southern coasts, where both commercial and recreational fishing are popular. In China and Japan, sillago species are caught in coastal waters and are valued in local cuisine, often featuring in fresh markets and traditional dishes. The fishing industry for Sillago whiting typically employs small-scale trawling, gillnetting, and hand-lining, supporting local economies and providing a staple protein source in these regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Philippines | 13,471 |
2 | Australia | 3,041 |
3 | Thailand | 2,403 |
4 | Malaysia | 1,610 |
5 | Pakistan | 449 |
6 | Taiwan Province of China | 52 |
7 | Bahrain | 11 |
8 | Singapore | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.