Pacific Sardine

About the Species

Commercial fishing for Pacific sardines is prohibited because the population is estimated to be below a precautionary level set by managers.

Status

• According to the 2019 stock assessment, Pacific sardine are overfished, and are not subject to overfishing.
• The population size varies naturally, which can lead to large fluctuations (boom-bust cycles) in abundance and catch.
• A precautionary measure is built into sardine management to stop directed fishing when the population falls below 150,000 metric tons. The latest population estimate is below that level, and managers have closed the fishery.

Appearance

• Pacific sardines are small.
• They are blue-green on the back and have white flanks with one to three sets of dark spots along the middle.

Biology

• Pacific sardines are fast growing and can grow to more than 12 inches long.
• They can live up to 13 years, but usually not past 5.
• They reproduce at age 1 or 2, depending on conditions.
• Pacific sardines spawn multiple times per season.
• Females release eggs that are fertilized externally and hatch in about 3 days.
• Pacific sardines feed on plankton (tiny floating plants and animals).
• They are prey for many fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.

Where They Live

• Southeastern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

Management

• NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific sardine fishery.
• Managed under the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan:
  • Catch limits are in place to prevent overfishing.
  • Catch limit is allocated among three fishing seasons throughout the year.
  • Permits are needed to harvest Pacific sardines.
  • Gear restrictions are in place to reduce bycatch.
  • Catch is monitored through logbooks and observers.