The white croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) is a small, schooling marine fish native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly abundant along the coasts of California and Baja California. Recognized by its silvery body and distinctive croaking sounds, this species inhabits sandy bottoms and nearshore waters. The white croaker is primarily targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries in the United States, especially California, where it is often caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. Mexico also harvests significant quantities of white croaker, particularly in Baja California. While not a high-value species, white croaker is commonly processed for fish meal, animal feed, and local consumption. The fishing industry for white croaker is regulated in the United States to prevent overfishing and to protect associated marine habitats, whereas in Mexico, regulations are less stringent but still present. Overall, the United States and Mexico are the top countries harvesting white croaker, reflecting the species’ limited geographic distribution and commercial importance in the region.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 11 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.