Whitehead's round herring (*Etrumeus whiteheadi*) is a small, schooling pelagic fish found primarily in the waters off southern Africa, particularly along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. This species is an important component of the region’s marine ecosystem and is targeted by commercial fisheries for use as bait, fishmeal, and animal feed. The top countries harvesting Whitehead’s round herring are Namibia and South Africa, where industrial purse seine fleets operate extensively. These fisheries are closely managed due to the species’ ecological significance and its role as prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The round herring fishery contributes to the local economies and supports employment in coastal communities, with Namibia and South Africa being recognized as the leading producers globally.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 66,907 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.