Top Toli Shad Fishing Countries

The Toli shad (Tenualosa toli), also known as the toli hilsa, is a migratory, anadromous fish species found in the coastal waters, estuaries, and lower reaches of rivers in South and Southeast Asia. Renowned for its rich, oily flesh, the Toli shad is highly valued both as a food fish and for its economic importance. The top countries harvesting Toli shad include Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where it supports significant artisanal and commercial fisheries. In Bangladesh and India, it is often caught alongside the closely related hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), and both species play a major role in local diets and livelihoods. In Malaysia and Indonesia, Toli shad is a traditional catch for coastal communities, contributing to regional fish markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation, however, have led to declining stocks, prompting some countries to implement conservation measures and fishing restrictions to help sustain this important species and its fisheries.

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