Top Silversides Sand Smelts Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Silversides and sand smelts, often grouped under the family Atherinidae and related families, are small, slender, schooling fish found in coastal and brackish waters worldwide. These species, such as the Mediterranean sand smelt (Atherina hepsetus) and various Hypoatherina species in Asia, are valued for their delicate flavor and are commonly used as bait, in local cuisines, or processed into fishmeal. The top fishing countries for silversides and sand smelts not elsewhere included (NEI) typically include Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Spain in the Mediterranean region, as well as Japan, China, and South Korea in East Asia. These nations utilize traditional seine nets and small-scale coastal fisheries to harvest these fish, supporting both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The industry is particularly important in Mediterranean and East Asian countries, where silversides and sand smelts are integral to local diets, regional dishes, and small-scale economies.

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