Top West African Ilisha Fishing Countries

The West African ilisha (Ilisha africana), also known as the West African ilisha shad, is a small, schooling pelagic fish found in coastal and estuarine waters from Senegal to Angola. Renowned for its importance in local diets and artisanal fisheries, the ilisha is typically caught using seine nets and small trawlers. The top West African countries harvesting this species include Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, where it forms a significant part of the small-scale and commercial fishing industries. These countries rely on the ilisha both for local consumption—often smoked, dried, or fresh in markets—and as a source of income for coastal communities. The fishery is vital for food security and livelihoods in the region, although concerns about overfishing and sustainable management persist due to high demand and limited regulatory oversight.

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