Top Small Sandeel Fishing Countries

The small sandeel (Ammodytes spp.), a slender, schooling forage fish found primarily in the North Atlantic and adjacent seas, plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems as a key food source for seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish. Commercially, small sandeel are primarily harvested for use in fishmeal and fish oil production, which are essential for aquaculture and livestock feed. The top sandeel fishing countries are Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with Denmark historically dominating global catches due to its proximity to the North Sea’s rich sandeel grounds and its advanced industrial fishing fleet. Norway and the UK also maintain significant sandeel fisheries, though these are subject to strict quotas and seasonal closures to protect the species and dependent wildlife. Sustainable management of sandeel stocks is a major concern, as overfishing can have cascading effects throughout the marine food web.

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